The Zestiest Lemon Cake Recipe That’s Irresistibly Moist

Baking a deliciously moist lemon cake can transport you to sunshine-filled memories of lazy afternoons.

Sweet citrus notes dance across your palate with each tender bite.

Zesty lemons infuse this classic dessert with bright, refreshing flavor.

Soft crumb and delicate texture make this cake an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Simple ingredients come together to create a showstopping dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that completes this heavenly confection.

Treat yourself to a slice and let pure joy melt on your tongue.

Why Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake Is Light And Zesty

• Unlock Zesty Flavor Explosion: Burst with bright, tangy lemon notes that dance across your taste buds, creating a refreshing and exciting dessert experience.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple mixing technique and straightforward steps make this cake perfect for novice bakers wanting to build kitchen confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Versatile cake suits multiple occasions from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, guaranteed to impress everyone with its moist texture and vibrant citrus profile.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal preparation time and basic ingredients transform into a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Everything You Need For Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure and texture to the lemon cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and adds delicious flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft cake texture.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide bright, tangy citrus flavor and aroma to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements the lemon flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a sweet, decorative finish to the cake.

Step-By-Step For Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and coat it with butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter

Use an electric mixer to beat butter until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with sour cream.

Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pan

Pour batter into prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 7: Bake Cake

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely. Optional: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for extra sweetness.

Top Tips To Nail Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice to maximize bright, tangy flavor and enhance overall taste profile.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the delicate crumb.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Flavor Twists On Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

• Lavender Lemon Bliss: Infuse the batter with dried lavender flowers, creating a fragrant and elegant cake that brings a floral touch to the classic lemon dessert.
• Olive Oil Citrus Cake: Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil for a lighter, more Mediterranean-style cake with a subtle fruity undertone and tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Dream: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this zesty and moist cake without compromise.
• Almond Lemon Sunshine: Fold ground almonds into the batter and top with sliced almonds for added texture and a nutty complement to the bright lemon flavor.

Great Pairings For Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

• Pair Citrus-Infused Cocktails: Mix gin or vodka with fresh lemon juice and elderflower liqueur for a bright, complementary drink that echoes the cake's zesty flavor profile.
• Serve Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral and bergamot notes beautifully balance the lemon cake's tartness, creating a sophisticated and refreshing palate experience.
• Create Creamy Lemon Mascarpone Spread: Whip mascarpone with additional lemon zest and a touch of honey to serve alongside the cake, enhancing its creamy and tangy elements.
• Recommend Fresh Berry Compote: Prepare a quick strawberry or raspberry sauce to drizzle over each slice, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.

How To Store Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake Properly

• Refrigerate: Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
• Freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after reheating to restore its original charm.

FAQs About Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake

• What makes this lemon cake so moist?

The combination of sour cream and fresh lemon juice helps create a tender, soft texture that keeps the cake incredibly moist and delicious.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice for optimal taste.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

• Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for those just starting to bake cakes.

Deliciously Moist Lemon Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, dancing with bright citrus notes and delicate crumb. Sweet-tart flavors and creamy texture invite you to savor each refreshing slice of pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Finishing:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter at medium speed until achieving a light, airy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
5. Fold in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until ingredients are well integrated.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
7. Transfer batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate air pockets.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
9. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. Once completely cooled, optionally dust the cake’s surface with a delicate layer of powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cake texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
• Create a tangy lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice for extra moisture and zesty kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg