Name: Lemon Cake Bliss: Moist, Zesty Delight for Any Occasion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Swap for gluten-free flour if desired.); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Ensure freshness.); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda (Ensure freshness.); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.); 0.75 cups Unsalted Butter (Adds richness.); 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar (Adjust for sweetness.); 3 large Eggs (Use at room temperature.); 2 lemons Lemon Zest (Use fresh.); 1 lemon Lemon Juice (Fresh juice is best.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure extract preferred.); 0.5 cups Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be substituted.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Sift for smooth consistency.); 2-3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Adjust for thickness.); 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Adds smoothness.)

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Stepping into spring means welcoming brightness, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of this delightful Lemon Bundt Cake? This recipe brings together a moist and tender crumb with the zingy twist of fresh lemons, making it an instant favorite at any gathering. Perfect for brunches or as a centerpiece at celebrations, this cake not only shines with its bold flavor but also offers an easy preparation, ensuring you can whip it up in no time. Plus, the velvety glaze that drapes over the cake adds a sweet-tart finish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Are you ready to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen?

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Why is this Lemon Cake a Must-Bake?

Bright, Fresh Flavor: The vibrant combination of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses this cake with a delightful tang that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home bakers of all levels, making it easy to whip up a show-stopping dessert.

Versatile Appeal: Whether it’s a brunch gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or a festive celebration, this Lemon Bundt Cake fits right in, pleasing both friends and family alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of making it ahead of time! This cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making it a great choice for busy schedules.

Gorgeous Presentation: The beautiful golden exterior and luscious glaze make for an elegant final touch, ensuring your cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Add a twist to your dessert repertoire and check out our Peach Lemonade Bliss for a refreshing drink pairing!

Lemon Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; you can swap for a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents for a fluffy rise; make sure they’re fresh for best results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness; don’t skip this step!
• Butter – Adds moisture and richness; opt for unsalted to customize your flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and to help create a tender crumb; if you like it less sweet, reduce slightly.
• Eggs – Binds everything together and adds moisture; use large eggs at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Lemon Zest – Infuses the cake with vibrant citrus flavor; always go for fresh zest over the bottled stuff.
• Lemon Juice – Adds the necessary tanginess that perfectly balances sweetness; fresh juice is best!
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cake’s flavor profile; pure extract is preferred for its depth.
• Sour Cream – Brings extra moisture; Greek yogurt makes a good substitute if you’re out of sour cream.

For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Creates that sweet glaze; sifting it helps achieve a smooth consistency.
• Melted Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze; vegetable oil can lighten it up if you prefer.

Let this lemon cake recipe transform your baking game, combining radiant flavors and effortless preparation into a memorable dessert!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it warms up, take a bundt pan and generously grease it with butter, then dust with flour to create a non-stick surface. This step ensures your moist and tangy Lemon Bundt Cake releases easily after baking, preserving its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until combined. This dry mixture adds structure and flavor to your cake. Set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of unsalted butter and 1¾ cups of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy, creating a delightful foundation for your Lemon Cake’s rich flavor and tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Zest
Add in 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, mix in the zest of 2 lemons, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step enriches the batter with a wonderful zesty aroma and flavor, making your cake truly lemony.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with ½ cup of sour cream. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter that will result in a tender Lemon Bundt Cake.

Step 6: Transfer and Smooth the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, gently smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter. This action helps create an even, perfect rise as your cake bakes, contributing to its lovely golden appearance.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake the Lemon Cake for 45-50 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake as it turns a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful scent.

Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. Then, carefully invert the pan to release the cake. Allow it to cool completely on the rack for a perfectly moist texture, ready for the velvety glaze that will crown your delicious lemon cake.

Step 9: Make the Glaze
While your cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until smooth. The glaze should have a drizzling consistency; adjust with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as necessary for your desired thickness.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the Lemon Bundt Cake is completely cool, drizzle the luscious glaze over the top, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing your cake. Serve this zesty delight that’s perfect for any occasion and watch it disappear!

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Make Ahead Options

Making this Lemon Bundt Cake ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your meal planning! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all ingredients and storing it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover the bowl tightly to prevent the batter from drying out. If you’ve baked the cake, it stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature; simply wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. The glaze can be made ahead as well, but it’s best to drizzle it on the cake just before serving to ensure it looks beautiful and stays smooth. Enjoy the convenience of having this zesty treat ready to impress your family or guests!

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Cake

Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a light, airy Lemon Cake.

Bundt Pan Prep: Grease well: Ensure to grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to achieve a beautiful shape when you release the cake.

Testing for Doneness: Toothpick test: Begin checking your Lemon Cake at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect moisture.

Glaze Consistency: Adjust with care: For a thicker glaze, gradually add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, mix in lemon juice incrementally until desired.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, making your cake taste vibrant and deliciously zesty!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the Lemon Bundt Cake wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture.

Fridge: If storing longer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week; this keeps it fresh while the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezer: For extended storage, slice and freeze the cake in individual portions, tightly wrapped in plastic and then foil, for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a comforting treat.

Lemon Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make this lemon cake your own with these delightful twists!

Gluten-Free: Switch to a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake friendly for gluten-sensitive pals.
You won’t sacrifice flavor; the lemon zest and juice will shine through beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk in place of butter, and choose dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option.
The fresh lemon flavor will still be the star of the show!
Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar by 25% for a subtly sweetened cake without compromising too much on taste.
Balance it with a touch more lemon juice to enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Lemon Blueberry Fusion: Toss in a cup of fresh blueberries for a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon.
These juicy berries provide both a lovely color and a delightful surprise in every slice!
Poppy Seed Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for an interesting texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
This addition brings a lovely crunch alongside the zesty lemon notes of the cake.
Extra Zesty: Incorporate an additional tablespoon of lemon zest to intensify the lemony freshness for those who love a more pronounced flavor.
This subtle change can elevate your cake to new heights of citrus bliss!
Lemon Lavender Delight: Add a teaspoon of culinary lavender for a fragrant twist on the traditional lemon flavor.
This unique pairing is not only delightful but will simultaneously transport you to a sunny garden.
Bourbon Glaze: Infuse your glaze with a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist that adds depth to the sweet-tart glaze.
It’s an unexpected yet sophisticated finish that will impress your guests!

No matter how you choose to customize this lemon cake, you are in for a treat. For a fabulous drink pairing, consider mixing up some Peach Lemonade Bliss to enjoy alongside your cake. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Moist and Tangy Lemon Bundt Cake?

Indulging in a slice of zesty Lemon Bundt Cake is a delightful experience that’s best complemented with a well-thought-out spread.

Fresh Berries: The juicy sweetness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a lovely contrast to the cake’s tangy flavor. Their freshness enhances the overall harmony of the dessert.
Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s bright citrus notes, elevating each bite.
Creamy Greek Yogurt: Served with a drizzle of honey, it adds protein while balancing the sweetness of the cake. This pairing brings a nice tang and thickness for a satisfying treat.
Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea enhance the lemon flavor, making it a perfect warm drink to serve alongside the cake. Its lightness complements dessert beautifully.
Lemonade Spritzer: For a refreshing twist, serve this cake with a sparkling lemonade spritzer. The combination of bubbles and citrus makes for a feast of flavors.
Lemon Curd: Elevate your slice even further! A small scoop of lemon curd can intensify the cake’s citrus essence while adding an extra layer of smooth richness.
Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy and tropical, coconut ice cream offers a delightful contrast with its sweet creaminess, bringing a hint of indulgence to your lemon cake experience.

With these delicious companions, your Lemon Bundt Cake is sure to shine even brighter at your next gathering!

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Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best lemons for this Lemon Bundt Cake?
Absolutely! Look for bright yellow lemons with smooth skin, as they’re usually juicy and flavorful. Avoid ones with dark spots or wrinkles, which can indicate overripeness. Fresh lemons will also yield the best zest and juice for that vibrant flavor.

How should I store the Lemon Bundt Cake to keep it fresh?
To keep your cake deliciously moist, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Always make sure it’s tightly covered to prevent it from drying out!

Can I freeze slices of the Lemon Bundt Cake?
Very much so! For long-term storage, slice the cake and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your Lemon Bundt Cake turns out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. To achieve a lighter texture, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh as well, as expired baking powder or soda can prevent a proper rise. Finally, always let your eggs come to room temperature for better emulsification with the batter.

Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients (like baking powder) are also gluten-free to keep it safe for those with gluten intolerance.

How can I modify the recipe for my child’s peanut allergy?
Fortunately, this Lemon Bundt Cake recipe is naturally free of peanuts. Just be sure to check that any baking supplies you’re using, like butter and baking powder, are free of cross-contamination with peanuts. It’s always good practice to double-check ingredient labels when accommodating allergies!