Lemon Cake Recipe is a soft baked dessert using fresh lemon juice, zest, butter, sugar, and flour that creates a bright flavor.
I made this Lemon Cake Recipe because lemon desserts remind me of family baking days and calm moments in my kitchen.
I have old experience making Lemon Cake Recipe from home practice and celebrations. I was inspired after watching a baker prepare lemon cake in a cooking show.
Now I will show step by step how to make this Lemon Cake Recipe today.
Is Lemon Cake Recipe Best Comfort Food?
Lemon Cake Recipe is one of the best comfort foods because it combines soft, tender cake and bright, zesty flavor that lifts the spirit.
The gentle sweetness and creamy frosting create a sense of warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Each slice evokes memories of cozy kitchens and joyful gatherings.
The balance of citrus and richness provides a soothing yet uplifting experience. Enjoying a piece of this cake brings simple happiness and a comforting feeling that stays long after the last bite.
How To Prepare Lemon Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 2 round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Lemon Cake Batter
- 180 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 7 g (1½ tsp) baking powder
- 1.25 g (¼ tsp) baking soda
- 1.25 g (¼ tsp) salt
- 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 240 ml (1 cup) neutral oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, or olive)
- 320 ml (1⅓ cups) buttermilk or whole milk
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 225 g (1 cup) butter, softened
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 540–600 g (4½–5 cups) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 15–30 ml (1–2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Lemon Glaze (For Assembling)
- 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar, sifted
- 22 ml (1½ tbsp) lemon juice or lemon zest
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) milk
How To Make Lemon Cake Recipe?
1. Get The Oven And Pans Ready
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare The Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream The Butter, Sugar, And Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add The Flavor And Liquids
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, oil, and buttermilk. Mix until everything is well blended.
5. Make The Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until the batter is smooth, being careful not to over mix.
6. Bake The Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
7. Frost And Finish
Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top. Drizzle with lemon glaze, slice, and enjoy.
Recipe Notes: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Room temperatures ingredients help create a smoother batter. Cakes can be baked one day ahead and frosted the next for best texture.
Nutrition Facts Of Lemon Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Lemon Cake Recipe
This Lemon Cake Recipe is a soft, moist, and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with bright citrus flavor.
Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it delivers a naturally tangy taste in every bite. The combination of butter, oil, and buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while the creamy lemon cream cheese frosting adds richness and smooth texture.
Its main speciality is the intense yet balanced lemon flavor paired with a light, fluffy cake texture, making it an ideal dessert for celebrations, afternoon tea, or summer gatherings.
Helpful Tips For This Recipe
➣ Always use room temperature eggs and butter to create a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
➣ Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to keep the cake light and fluffy.
➣ Freshly grated lemon zest enhances the natural citrus flavor more than store bought zest.
➣ Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
➣ Brushing the layers with a simple lemon syrup adds extra moisture and intensifies the lemon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lemon Cake Recipe slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. Pair slices with a cup of tea, coffee, or fresh lemonade to enhance the citrus notes.
Add fresh berries or a few mint leaves on top to create a colourful presentation. Light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze adds extra sweetness and shine.
It can also accompany a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate each serving.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Lemon cake contains valuable nutrients that support overall health. Fresh lemon juice and zest are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and promote healthy skin.
Eggs provide essential protein and healthy fats that support energy and muscle function. Dairy ingredients add calcium, aiding bone strength.
Using moderate sugar and oil maintains flavor while keeping the cake lighter. The bright lemon flavor reduces the need for heavy frosting, lowering calorie content. Enjoying lemon cake in moderation delivers both delicious taste and beneficial nutrients.
Why We Love This Lemon Cake Recipe?
We love this Lemon Cake Recipe because it delivers a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens every bite. The cake stays tender and moist, creating a soft texture that feels indulgent yet light.
Each slice combines the richness of butter, the tang of lemon juice, and the subtle aroma of lemon zest. Creamy frosting adds smoothness that enhances every bite.
Simple ingredients come together to create a delightful dessert that brings joy, satisfaction, and a sense of homemade warmth to the table.
How To Make More Delicious Lemon Cake Recipe?
To create a more delicious Lemon Cake Recipe, start by using fresh lemons for both juice and zest to enhance the natural flavor.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to add airiness. Gently fold eggs one at a time for a smooth texture.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk carefully to maintain moisture. Use a high-quality cream cheese frosting and add extra lemon zest for brightness.
Chill the cake slightly before frosting to prevent melting. Finishing with a light glaze intensifies the tangy sweetness.
How Long Does Homemade Lemon Cake Recipe Last In The Fridge?
Homemade Lemon Cake Recipe stays fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Storing it in an airtight container helps maintain its moisture and soft texture.
Frosted layers last the same duration, keeping the cream cheese frosting creamy and flavourful. Chilled lemon cake develops a slightly firmer texture while retaining its bright, tangy flavor.
Slicing just before serving ensures the cake remains fresh. This storage method preserves both taste and quality, allowing each piece to remain enjoyable and satisfying over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use All Milk Instead Of Buttermilk?
Yes, whole milk can be used, but the texture will be slightly less tender. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the milk can mimic buttermilk.
How Do I Prevent The Cake From Sticking To The Pan?
Grease the pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How Can I Make The Frosting Less Sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add more lemon juice for a tangier taste.
What Type Of Lemons Work Best?
Fresh, juicy lemons with bright zest are ideal for the strongest flavor.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cake Recipe was truly easy to make and a delicious success that I enjoyed from start to finish. The soft texture and fresh lemon flavor made it extra special and satisfying.
I hope this simple recipe inspires you to try baking it at home with confidence. It requires easy ingredients and simple steps, perfect for any baker.
Make it soon, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to tell me how delicious it turned out!
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Lemon Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Lemon Cake Batter
- 180 g 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
- 113 g ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 30 ml 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 7 g 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1.25 g ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1.25 g ¼ tsp salt
- 5 ml 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 240 ml 1 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, or olive)
- 320 ml 1⅓ cups buttermilk or whole milk
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 225 g 1 cup butter, softened
- 225 g 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 540 –600 g 4½–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 15 –30 ml 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Lemon Glaze (For Assembling)
- 120 g 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 22 ml 1½ tbsp lemon juice or lemon zest
- 15 ml 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
Get The Oven And Pans Ready
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare The Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Cream The Butter, Sugar, And Eggs
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add The Flavor And Liquids
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, oil, and buttermilk. Mix until everything is well blended.
Make The Batter
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until the batter is smooth, being careful not to over mix.
Bake The Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Frost And Finish
- Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top. Drizzle with lemon glaze, slice, and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Lemon Cake Recipe
Calories: 420 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Sugar: 38 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Protein: 5 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 210 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!