Lemon cakes are like sunshine on a plate! If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these 11 lemon cake recipes are easy to whip up and guaranteed to bring a zest of joy. Whether you love a classic slice or a fun twist, these recipes will inspire you to bake again and again. Let’s dive into these citrusy delights!
1. Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake
This timeless favorite is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy; add eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Drizzle with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar while warm.
Make it Unique: Add blueberries for a fruity twist!
2. Lemon Bundt Cake
This elegant cake is perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, and juice.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold into the mixture. Pour into the pan and bake for 50 minutes.
- Cool before drizzling with lemon glaze.
Make it Unique: Swap lemon juice with lime for a different flavor!
3. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
This cake is bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, lemon juice, zest, and poppy seeds.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into the pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Make it Unique: Add cream cheese frosting for an indulgent touch!
4. Lemon Sheet Cake
Ideal for potlucks and parties!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Beat butter and sugar until light; add eggs, milk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- Frost with lemon icing after cooling.
Make it Unique: Top with berries for added freshness!
5. Lemon Chiffon Cake
A light and fluffy treat for any afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a tube pan.
- Whisk egg whites until stiff. In another bowl, mix yolks with sugar, oil, and water; add lemon juice, zest, and dry ingredients.
- Fold in egg whites and pour into the pan. Bake for 55 minutes.
- Cool upside down until set.
Make it Unique: Add a layer of berries between the cake layers!
6. Lemon Olive Oil Cake
A moist cake with a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round pan.
- Whisk together olive oil, sugar, and eggs; add buttermilk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into the pan and bake for 35 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon glaze after cooling.
Make it Unique: Add finely chopped nuts for crunch!
7. Lemon Pound Cake
Rich, buttery goodness in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, then mix in sour cream, lemon zest, and juice.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; fold into the mixture. Pour into the pan and bake for 60 minutes.
- Cool before glazing.
Make it Unique: Mix in dried cranberries for a tangy surprise!
8. Lemon Coconut Cake
Bring the tropics to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, coconut milk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Frost with coconut cream frosting after cooling.
Make it Unique: Top with toasted coconut for extra flavor!
9. Lemon Layer Cake
Perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, milk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes.
- Layer with frosting of choice after cooling.
Make it Unique: Add a layer of lemon curd between the cakes!
10. Vegan Lemon Cake
Delicious and dairy-free!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Combine melted oil and sugar; add almond milk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool before frosting with vegan icing.
Make it Unique: Substitute almond milk with coconut milk for extra richness!
11. Lemon Cheesecake
A smooth and creamy dessert for cheesecake lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a springform pan.
- Mix graham crumbs and butter; press into the bottom of the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Pour over the crust and bake for 50 minutes.
- Chill before serving.
Make it Unique: Top with fresh fruit or a raspberry sauce!
These lemon cake recipes are sure to brighten your baking days! They’re quick, easy, and bursting with zesty goodness. Choose one (or more!) to try today—you won’t regret it! Enjoy the process of making these delightful cakes and share them with friends and family for memorable moments. Happy baking!