If you’re a lemon lover, this moist and fluffy Lemon Cake is the ultimate treat! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this cake has just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a zesty lemon glaze, or topped with rich cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Bright & Refreshing: Fresh lemon juice and zest make this cake citrusy and vibrant.
✔️ Perfectly Moist: Buttermilk ensures a soft, tender crumb.
✔️ Two Frosting Options: Choose between a light lemon glaze or a decadent cream cheese frosting.
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients!
✔️ Versatile & Elegant: Great for brunch, birthdays, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🕒 Serves 8–10
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute: ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 2–3 tbsp juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon zest or thin lemon slices
- Edible flowers for a decorative touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4️⃣ Add the Wet Ingredients
✅ Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
✅ Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
✅ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
✅ Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. (Do not overmix!)
6️⃣ Bake the Cake
✅ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
✅ Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
✅ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7️⃣ Prepare the Glaze or Frosting
👉 For the Lemon Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
👉 For the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, beating until fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake.
8️⃣ Decorate & Serve
Garnish with lemon zest, thin lemon slices, or edible flowers for an elegant finish.
Slice and serve with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk!
Why This Recipe Works
🍋 Buttermilk Magic: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
🍋 Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice: Delivers a bold citrus aroma and fresh taste.
🍋 Glaze or Frosting Options: Choose between a light glaze or a rich, creamy frosting.
Variations to Try
🍰 Layer Cake: Double the recipe and stack two layers with frosting in between.
🌱 Poppy Seed Twist: Add 1–2 tbsp poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy seed cake.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.
🥥 Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
🍊 Citrus Swap: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a different citrusy flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cake
✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk mix better and create a smoother batter.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense—mix just until combined.
✔️ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
🌸 Elegant Touch: Garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar.
🥂 Brunch Favorite: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or mimosas.
🎂 Party-Ready: Serve alongside chocolate truffles, macarons, or tarts for a dessert spread.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cake is a refreshing, soft, and citrusy delight that’s simple yet elegant. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or frosted, it’s the perfect cake for any occasion—from brunch to birthdays!
📢 Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making a lemon cake before? Share your thoughts or favorite variations in the comments! 🍋💛