The sweet and tangy flavor of lemon is a perfect match for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a Tuesday. When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like the brightness and warmth that lemon brings to a dish. In this collection of 20 delicious lemon cake recipes, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of citrusy treats that are sure to impress your friends and family.
From classic lemon drizzle cakes to creative twists featuring blueberries, raspberries, and even poppy seeds, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started!
Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake
Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
Summary: A moist and tangy lemon cake topped with a sweet and sticky glaze, perfect for springtime celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
9. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lemon juice.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with heavy cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake
A moist and flavorful lemon cake topped with a tangy glaze, perfect for springtime gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in lemon juice and zest. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful lemon poppy seed cake, infused with the sweetness of vanilla and the crunch of toasted poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Stir in Greek yogurt and poppy seeds.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Yogurt Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and tangy Lemon Yogurt Cake, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Lavender Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Lavender Cake, infused with the subtle sweetness of lavender and the tanginess of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lavender buds until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Ricotta Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Ricotta Cake, featuring the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with ricotta cheese, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Chiffon Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing and light Lemon Chiffon Cake, infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of lemon zest and juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) tube pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg whites, cream of tartar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon Coconut Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Coconut Cake, bursting with citrusy goodness and nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Fold in shredded coconut.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful lemon olive oil cake, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and olive oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Meringue Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing lemon meringue cake, filled with the sweetness of citrus and topped with a fluffy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
4. Beat in egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Meringue Topping:
1. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until smooth and glossy.
3. Spread meringue topping over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake
A bright and tangy dessert that combines the sweetness of raspberries with the zestiness of lemon, layered between moist vanilla cake.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh raspberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and egg whites. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 20-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely.
5. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and chopped raspberries; mix until combined.
6. Assemble cake by spreading a layer of frosting on top of one cake, then stacking with another. Repeat for third layer.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Lemon Almond Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Almond Cake, perfect for springtime celebrations or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Ginger Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing and moist Lemon Ginger Cake! This recipe combines the zesty flavors of lemon and ginger to create a delightful dessert perfect for springtime or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg, lemon juice, and grated ginger. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans before transferring to wire rack.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Pistachio Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the earthiness of pistachios, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and pistachios.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Summary: This classic pound cake recipe gets a bright and tangy twist with the addition of lemon zest, juice, and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add lemon zest and juice; mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Frosting:
1. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice and mix until combined.
3. Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Lemon Thyme Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing lemon cake infused with the subtle flavor of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and thyme until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Honey Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful Lemon Honey Cake, perfect for a springtime treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, lemon juice, and honey. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; beat until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Cardamom Cake
This refreshing cake combines the brightness of lemon zest with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom, perfect for a springtime treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and cardamom until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Blackberry Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Blackberry Cake! Moist lemon cake is infused with the sweetness of blackberries and a hint of citrus, making it perfect for springtime celebrations or as a delightful treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Fold in blackberries.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to brighten up your day with a burst of citrus flavor! This article features 20 mouthwatering lemon cake recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic drizzle cakes to innovative bundt and pound cakes, each recipe showcases the versatility of this zesty fruit. With flavors ranging from sweet and tangy to bold and sophisticated, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these lemon cake recipes are sure to inspire your next baking project!
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