If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts, a lemon cake recipe should definitely be on your list of must-try treats. Lemon cake is loved by many for its fresh, zesty flavor and light texture, making it a perfect dessert for almost any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer party, or simply enjoying a cup of tea with friends, a homemade lemon cake will surely brighten up your day. This simple yet delicious dessert is easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a classic lemon glaze or a creamy lemon frosting. In this post, I’m going to walk you through a step-by-step guide to making a lemon cake recipe that’s both moist and full of vibrant lemon flavor. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake your very own lemon cake that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
What Makes This Lemon Cake Special?
One of the best things about this lemon cake recipe is its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The cake itself has a moist and fluffy texture, while the fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrusy flavor that makes each bite feel like a little burst of sunshine. The cake is not overly sweet, which makes it light and easy to enjoy, even after a large meal. If you’ve tried other lemon cakes before and found them too dense or heavy, this recipe will be a welcome change. It’s incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy equipment or skills to get it just right.
The addition of lemon zest to the batter and the use of fresh lemon juice gives the cake an extra pop of flavor that’s hard to beat. When paired with a smooth lemon frosting or glaze, this cake becomes even more irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves trying new recipes, this easy lemon cake will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the best lemon cake recipe for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and foolproof dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Lemon Cake
For the perfect moist lemon cake, you don’t need many ingredients. In fact, most of the ingredients in this lemon cake recipe are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Below is a simple list of lemon cake ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
These easy lemon cake ingredients are combined to create the base of your cake. The butter adds richness, while the sour cream makes the cake incredibly soft and moist. The star ingredients are the fresh lemons—both the juice and zest—which will bring the vibrant lemon flavor to life. This combination creates the perfect moist lemon cake that you’ll want to share with everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Cake
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to make your own lemon cake.
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be sure to mix everything just until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. If you’re using sour cream, fold it in last to give your batter extra moisture.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Once the batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Preparing Lemon Frosting
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the lemon frosting or glaze. For a simple lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If you prefer a richer, creamier frosting, you can make a lemon buttercream by beating together butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of lemon frosting or lemon glaze on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can even add a bit of extra zest or a few lemon slices on top for decoration!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cake Every Time
While this lemon cake recipe is easy to follow, there are a few lemon cake tips that can help ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give your cake the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same bright, fresh taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps everything combine more easily.
- Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at 25 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done!
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Always let the cake cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
How to Store Your Lemon Cake
To keep your lemon cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as cold cake can lose its soft texture.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and frost it when ready.
Variations of the Classic Lemon Cake Recipe
While the classic lemon cake recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to mix it up. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Lemon Blueberry Cake: Add fresh blueberries to the batter for a delicious fruit-filled twist on the classic lemon cake.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Incorporate poppy seeds into the batter for a light crunch that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.
- Lemon Bundt Cake: Make a lemon bundt cake recipe by baking the batter in a bundt pan instead of two round cake pans. The shape adds an elegant touch, and the glaze can drizzle down the sides, making it even more irresistible.
How to Serve Lemon Cake
A lemon cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways. You can serve it at afternoon tea, as a light dessert after a meal, or even as a birthday cake. For a special touch, serve your lemon cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries. If you’re hosting a summer party or garden gathering, a lemon cake is the perfect way to bring a refreshing, light dessert to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cake Recipe
This lemon cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves light, tangy, and flavorful desserts. The cake is easy to make, and the combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and frosting creates a perfectly balanced treat. It’s not too sweet, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will brighten any day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this lemon cake recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavor of lemons. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with tea, as a birthday dessert, or at your next family gathering, this cake will impress. So, try this easy lemon cake recipe today and treat your friends and family to a slice of sunshine!
FAQs
- What is the best lemon cake recipe?
- The best lemon cake recipe is one that combines fresh lemon juice and zest for a light, moist, and flavorful cake that’s not too sweet.
- How do I make a moist lemon cake?
- To make a moist lemon cake, use fresh ingredients like lemon juice, sour cream, and butter, and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice for the lemon cake recipe?
- While fresh lemon juice is recommended, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available, but the flavor may not be as bright.
- How do I store my lemon cake?
- You can store your lemon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I make a lemon bundt cake with this recipe?
- Yes, you can easily turn this lemon cake recipe into a lemon bundt cake recipe by using a bundt pan instead of two round cake pans.
- What’s the best way to serve lemon cake?
- You can serve lemon cake with whipped cream, berries, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze for a refreshing touch.
- Can I add berries to this lemon cake recipe?
- Yes, you can add fresh berries like blueberries to this lemon cake recipe to make a lemon blueberry cake.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. Disclosure Policy
Lemon Cake Recipe
This lemon cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines the fresh zing of lemons with a soft, fluffy cake texture. It’s the perfect dessert for a summer gathering or a casual family get-together. The moist lemon cake has a delicate balance of sweetness and tartness, making it light and refreshing. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter, you can easily whip up this delicious treat in no time. Whether you decide to top it with a creamy lemon frosting or a simple lemon glaze, this cake will definitely stand out as a highlight at any event. It’s also versatile, so you can add fruit like blueberries or poppy seeds to create your own twist. The light, tangy flavors of this cake make it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual afternoon tea. Easy, fresh, and utterly irresistible, this lemon cake recipe is sure to become a go-to for your baking collection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra moisture)
- Optional Toppings:
- Lemon frosting (buttercream or glaze)
- Fresh lemon slices or berries for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs and flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. If you’re using sour cream, fold it in at the end for extra moisture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pans, smooth the top, and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, you can frost the cake with lemon frosting or glaze. You can also decorate with fresh lemon slices or berries.
Notes
Lemon zest adds the freshest, most fragrant lemon flavor, so don’t skip it! If you want a moist lemon cake, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing too much can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For extra moistness, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. Fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor! Bottled lemon juice doesn’t compare to the fresh stuff.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
10Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 35gNet Carbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 4g
Note while creating nutrition details table: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
