Lemon cakes are the epitome of fresh and vibrant desserts. Their tangy, citrus flavor combined with a soft, moist crumb creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether served as an afternoon treat with tea or as the star of a celebration, lemon cake is always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s easy to make, so you can bring a little sunshine to your table any time.
Why Our Recipe Stands Out
- Soft, moist cake with just the right amount of lemony tang.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest for bold, authentic citrus flavor.
- A luscious lemon glaze that adds a sweet and tangy finish.
- Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or a casual dessert at home.
This lemon cake recipe is one of our most beloved. It’s buttery, bright, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how simple yet delicious this cake is. Trust us: once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredient Notes
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sturdy yet tender crumb. A gluten-free blend works too, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Use unsalted butter for more control over the flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- Fresh Lemons: Use both the juice and zest for maximum citrus flavor.
- Milk: Keeps the cake moist and soft. Dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk work well.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: The base of a smooth and sweet glaze.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness to the glaze.
- Lemon Zest (Optional): For a pop of extra citrus flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cake
- Use fresh lemons: Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Cool completely before glazing: A warm cake will melt the glaze, making it runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Zester or Grater: To extract the lemon zest.
- Electric Mixer: While not required, it makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
- 9-inch Cake Pan: Or a loaf pan, if you prefer.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup milk
Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest and juice.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or sugar, if needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Sprinkle with lemon zest, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
This lemon cake is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.
Whether you’re a fan of citrus desserts or just looking to try something new, this lemon cake is sure to impress. Bright, zesty, and incredibly delicious, it’s the perfect way to bring a burst of sunshine to any day! 🍋
