Go Back
–+ servings
Delicious lemon cake topped with lemon frosting and fresh lemon slices

Lemon Cake

This Lemon Cake is a delightful, moist dessert that's perfect for any occasion, providing a slice of happiness with its bright flavor and comforting texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Sweet
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder (leavening agent for lift)
  • 0.5 tsp salt (balances sweetness)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds moisture and richness)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness and texture)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (binds ingredients and adds moisture)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (flavor enhancement)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons, intensifies lemon flavor)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adds brightness)
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk (moisture and tenderness)

Syrup Ingredients

  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice (for syrup, enhances lemon flavor)
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar (for syrup, sweetens and thickens)

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze, smooth texture)
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze, adds zing)
  • 1 tbsp milk (any kind, for glaze, adjusts texture)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.

Baking

  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
  • Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Syrup and Glaze

  • In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar for the syrup.
  • Drizzle the lemon syrup over the top of the cooled cake and let it soak in.
  • Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk for the glaze.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 150mgSugar: 28g
Keyword Citrus Cake, Dessert Recipe, Easy Baking, Lemon Cake, Moist Cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!