Brighten your day with this wonderfully moist and zesty lemon cake! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion—from afternoon tea to special celebrations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sunny & Bright Flavor: Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice for that perfect tangy-sweet balance.
- Incredibly Moist: Stays soft and tender for days—if it lasts that long!
- Simple & Foolproof: Easy-to-follow steps with common ingredients.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, dessert, or celebration cake.
📝 Key Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for the perfect sweetness
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk – for extra moisture
- Zest of 2 lemons – for that bright citrus flavor
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice – about 1-2 lemons
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest – for extra zing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat & Prepare 🔥
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs & Lemon
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Alternate Mixing
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Transfer to Pan
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool
Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze & Finish
- Make Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar or juice as needed. - Glaze the Cake
Drizzle glaze over cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. - Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve this sunshine-filled treat! ☀️
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor—avoid bottled juice.
- Test for Doneness: Check cake a few minutes before timer ends to prevent overbaking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I store lemon cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This can happen if the cake is underbaked or if you open the oven door too early during baking.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Servings: 10-12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
📌 Printable Recipe Card
Easy Zesty Lemon Cake
Yield: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 9-inch cake pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then lemon zest and juice.
- Whisk dry ingredients in separate bowl.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture.
- Pour into pan and bake 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.
🎉 More Lemon Recipes to Try!
Brighten someone’s day with this delightful lemon cake! Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see your sunny baking adventures! 🌞🍰
