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+ servings
Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake That's Soft, Moist, and Bursting with Flavor

This Lemon Cake is a soft, moist dessert bursting with zesty flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or Melted Coconut Oil Avoid solid fats like butter.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Optional) Plain yogurt can be a great substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Buttermilk (Optional)
For the Optional Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Adjust for desired consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

Equipment

  • 9-inch round or loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • sifter

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or loaf pan with vegetable oil or butter and dust with flour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, along with sour cream or Greek yogurt if using.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
  4. Gradually mix in the milk or buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, finishing with the dry mix to maintain a delicate texture.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. After baking, cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Prepare the optional lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing will ensure a soft and moist texture. For the best flavor, use fresh lemons.

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