Quick & Zesty Lemon Cake

Looking for an Easy Lemon Cake Recipe? This one is simple to follow and yields a delicious dessert. The cake is moist and tangy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Give it a try!

Do you adore the bright, zesty flavor of lemon? Then this incredibly easy lemon cake recipe is an absolute must-try for you. Imagine a soft, fluffy cake, imbued with a light, yet distinct lemony flavor that dances on your palate. The best part? It’s astonishingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking or simply short on time. Forget complicated multi-layered masterpieces; this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort, making it ideal for any occasion.

So, if you’re searching for a delightful dessert that looks and tastes fantastic without demanding hours in the kitchen, you’ve found your perfect match. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this irresistible treat!

Easy Lemon Cake Recipe - Moist and Tangy Homemade Dessert

As I continue to explore my mom’s cherished collection of cake recipes, I often stumble upon those intricate, multi-layered creations that are truly works of art. However, amidst those elaborate bakes, there are also hidden gems – simpler, yet equally delicious, recipes that are perfect for everyday enjoyment. This delightful lemon cake is one such treasure, a testament to the fact that fantastic flavor doesn’t always require immense effort.

What makes this particular lemon cake so special and easy to love? It falls beautifully into the “snack cake” category. This means it’s designed for simplicity and convenience: it’s a single-layer cake, perfectly sized at an 8-inch square, and it comes together incredibly quickly. This approachable format makes it a go-to choice when you want something homemade and comforting without the fuss of a grand celebration cake.

Whether you’re hosting a casual bunco night with friends, firing up the grill for a small backyard barbecue, or contributing a sweet treat to a church brunch, this moist lemon cake is an ideal fit. Its bright, refreshing flavor profile and straightforward preparation mean you can whip it up with ease and know it will be a crowd-pleaser. I have no doubt that you’ll cherish this simple lemon cake recipe as much as my family and I do.

Baking the Perfect Easy Lemon Cake

Creating a truly delicious homemade lemon cake doesn’t have to be daunting. Our easy lemon cake recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a beautiful and flavorful result every time. The secret lies in fresh ingredients, precise measurements, and a few key baking tips that elevate this simple dessert to something extraordinary. From the tangy zest to the creamy texture, every bite is a burst of sunshine.

Zesty Lemon Cake - A Simple Homemade Treat

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Easy Lemon Cake

We’ve gathered some of the most frequent questions about baking, storing, and customizing this delightful lemon cake. Understanding these aspects will help you achieve perfect results and make this recipe a staple in your kitchen.

Can this Easy Lemon Cake be Frozen?

Absolutely, yes! Just like many other cakes, this homemade lemon cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or saving leftovers for later. To ensure optimal freshness and prevent freezer burn, you’ll want to prepare it properly for storage. First, allow the cake to cool completely before freezing, as residual heat can cause condensation and ice crystals. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly with at least two layers of plastic wrap, ensuring no part is exposed to the air. For extra protection, you can then place the wrapped cake in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap it again in aluminum foil. Properly stored, your frozen lemon cake will maintain its delicious flavor and moist texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Can you make an Easy Lemon Cake the Day Before?

Making this delightful lemon cake the day before serving is not just possible, it’s often a fantastic idea! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive taste. It also significantly reduces stress on the day of your event or gathering. To keep your cake fresh and moist, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This prevents the cake from drying out and absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge. For the best presentation and texture, you can even bake the cake and prepare the icing the day before, storing them separately. Then, on the day of serving, simply add the fresh lemon icing just before your guests arrive. This ensures the icing is perfectly smooth and glossy, creating a visually appealing and utterly scrumptious dessert.

How to Store Lemon Cake for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the irresistible moistness and tangy flavor of your easy lemon cake. Once baked and cooled, this lemon cake should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Placing it in an airtight cake container or covering it tightly with plastic wrap is essential to prevent it from drying out and to protect its delicate flavor. If you’ve already applied the icing, ensure the covering doesn’t smudge the frosting. For longer storage, this cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection is key to preventing freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain its texture and prevents sogginess, ensuring it tastes as good as freshly baked.

Don’t Miss These Other Irresistible Lemon Recipes!

If you’re a true lemon enthusiast, your culinary journey doesn’t have to end with this amazing lemon cake. The vibrant, tart, and refreshing flavor of lemon is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide array of desserts. Dive into these other fantastic lemon-infused recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and become new favorites:

  • Easy Lemon Bars: A classic, buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy, sweet lemon filling.
  • Lemon Lush Dessert: Layers of creamy, dreamy lemon goodness perfect for a refreshing treat.
  • Lemon Curd Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting: Moist cupcakes filled with zesty lemon curd and topped with a luscious buttercream.
  • Easy Lemon Pound Cake: A dense, rich cake with a bright lemon glaze that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
  • Mini Loaf Cakes – Lemon Poppy Seed: Individual portions of a beloved combination, great for gifting or personal enjoyment.
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Fluffy, flavorful muffins with a delightful crunch from poppy seeds.
  • Candied Lemon Slices: Beautiful, edible garnishes or a sweet-tart treat on their own.
  • Lemon Oreo Fudge: A surprisingly delicious combination of zesty lemon and classic cookies in fudge form.
  • Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bundt Cake: A stunning bundt cake combining two harmonious flavors with a beautiful swirl.
Lemon Snack Cake - Quick and Easy Dessert

Can this Easy Lemon Cake be Made with Different Size Cake Pans?

You bet! This versatile lemon cake recipe can certainly be adapted to different pan sizes, allowing you to customize your bake for various occasions or serving needs. However, when altering the pan size, it’s important to understand how it will affect the baking time and potentially the texture. Always bake until the “toothpick test” comes out clean, as various factors like different ovens, climate, elevation, and even the pan material can influence baking duration. Here’s a helpful guide for pan variations:

  • 8″ Square Pan (Used in this recipe): This pan holds approximately 8 cups of batter, similar to a standard 9″ round cake pan. It yields a perfectly sized snack cake, ideal for smaller gatherings.
  • 9×5″ Loaf Pan: This pan also holds about 8 cups of batter. However, because the batter will be deeper, the baking time will increase. Start checking for doneness after the original baking time and add in 5-10 minute increments until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 9 x 13 Pan: This larger pan holds between 14 to 16 cups of batter. For a cake of this size, you would need to double this entire recipe to ensure sufficient volume and proper cake height. The baking time will likely be longer, so adjust accordingly, testing frequently.
  • 2 – 6″ Round Pans: If you’re looking to create a smaller, layered cake, this recipe can be divided between two 6-inch round pans. Each pan will hold roughly 4 cups of batter. The baking time for these smaller layers will be shorter, typically around 18-21 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.
  • Cupcakes: This recipe can easily be converted into individual cupcakes! It will yield approximately 8-12 standard-size cupcakes, depending on how full you fill each liner. Cupcakes generally bake much faster, usually within 18-22 minutes.

The Importance of Batter Depth: Keep it Consistent for Best Results

When you’re baking a cake, the amount of batter in a cake pan is crucial to the recipe’s success. It’s more than just filling the pan; it’s about achieving the right depth for proper baking. If there’s too much batter, your cake could rise too high in the center and then sink, or even overflow the pan, creating a sticky mess. Conversely, if you don’t use enough batter, you’ll end up with a thin, flimsy, and potentially dry cake, as the moisture will evaporate too rapidly during baking. When switching pan sizes, a good rule of thumb is to fill your pan halfway to two-thirds full. This allows for adequate rise and ensures even baking. If you find yourself with any leftover batter after filling your chosen pan to the correct depth, don’t let it go to waste! Simply pour it into a few cupcake liners and bake them alongside your main cake for a bonus treat.

Don’t Miss These Other Great Homemade Cake Recipes!

For those who love to bake from scratch, there’s a world of delicious homemade cake recipes waiting to be explored beyond this easy lemon cake. Expand your baking repertoire with these incredible creations, each offering unique flavors and textures perfect for any occasion:

  • Salted Caramel Mocha Sheet Cake: A rich, coffee-infused chocolate cake with a decadent salted caramel frosting.
  • Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Kahlua Ganache: A classic red velvet cake with a sophisticated Kahlua-spiked chocolate ganache.
  • Blueberry Swirl Pound Cake: A beautiful and flavorful pound cake with swirls of fresh blueberries.
  • Brownie Cookie Dough Freak Cake: An indulgent cake featuring layers of brownie, cookie dough, and frosting for the ultimate dessert experience.
  • Homemade Funfetti Cake: A joyful, sprinkle-filled cake that’s perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
  • Slow Cooker Carrot Cake: A surprisingly easy and incredibly moist carrot cake, made conveniently in your slow cooker.
  • Lemon Pound Cake: Another fantastic lemon option, offering a denser texture with intense citrus flavor.
  • Best Yellow Cake Recipe: A classic, buttery, and incredibly tender yellow cake, perfect for any frosting.
  • Spring Cake Roll: A light and elegant rolled cake, ideal for spring gatherings.
Ingredients for Easy Lemon Cake - Homemade Baking

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Lemon Cake

Crafting the perfect moist and tangy lemon cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that desirable light texture and vibrant lemon flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful homemade treat:

For the Lemon Cake:

  • Cake flour: Essential for a tender crumb. Remember to use the scoop and level method for accurate measurement.
  • Baking powder: The primary leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and is light.
  • Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and brightening the lemon notes.
  • Lemon zest: The key to intense lemon flavor and aroma, packed with essential oils.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides richness and creates a tender texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness and golden crust.
  • Large eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure, richness, and moisture.
  • Almond extract: A secret ingredient that surprisingly enhances the lemon flavor, adding depth.
  • Sour cream: Contributes incredible moisture and a subtle tang, making the cake extra tender.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh tartness that complements the zest.
  • Colorful sprinkles: Optional, but perfect for a festive and fun finish!

For the Tangy Lemon Icing:

  • Confectioner’s sugar: Sifted for a smooth, lump-free icing consistency.
  • Lemon juice: Provides the essential tartness and liquid base for the icing.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy, rich texture for the perfect drizzle or spread.

Important Notes for Your Easy Lemon Cake Recipe

To ensure your easy lemon cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips and substitutions in mind. They address common baking questions and offer insights into achieving the best flavor and texture:

  • Extract Choice: While almond extract wonderfully enhances the lemon flavor in this recipe, you can absolutely use vanilla extract instead if you prefer its classic taste or don’t have almond extract on hand. It’s a personal preference that can subtly change the flavor profile.
  • Lemon Zest Measurement: Approximately 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest can be obtained from one medium to large lemon. Always zest before juicing!
  • Lemon Juice Measurement: Similarly, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice typically comes from about half of a large-sized lemon.
  • Flour Substitution: If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour in this recipe instead. However, for a lighter texture, reduce the quantity slightly. You will use 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour instead of the 2 ½ cups of cake flour stated in the recipe.
  • Accurate Flour Measurement (Scoop and Level Method): This method is crucial for precise baking, especially with flour. Instead of scooping directly with your measuring cup (which can compact the flour and lead to too much), use a spoon to lightly fluff the flour in its container, then spoon it into your dry measuring cup. Once the cup is overflowing, use the flat back of a knife or a straight edge to scrape across the top, leveling the flour perfectly. This prevents your cake from becoming dense and dry due to excess flour.

How Do I Properly Measure Flour for a Perfect Cake?

Accurately measuring flour is one of the most critical steps in baking, and it can significantly impact the final texture of your easy lemon cake. The best and most recommended method for dry ingredients like flour is the “spoon and level” technique. Here’s how to do it correctly: First, use a spoon to lightly fluff up the flour in its bag or container. This loosens any compacted flour. Then, gently spoon the flour into your dry measuring cup until it’s overflowing. Do not pack it down or tap the cup. Finally, take the flat side of a knife or any straight edge and scrape across the top of the measuring cup, leveling off the excess flour. This ensures you’re using just the right amount, preventing the flour from being overly packed into your measuring cup, which would add more than needed and result in a dense, dry cake.

What is Cake Flour and Why is it Used in Baking?

Cake flour is a finely milled flour that is a baker’s secret weapon for achieving light, tender cakes like our easy lemon cake. It differs significantly from standard all-purpose flour in several key ways. Firstly, it is very finely milled, giving it a silkier, lighter texture. Secondly, cake flour is typically bleached, which not only gives it a brighter color but also alters its protein structure, allowing it to absorb more liquid and sugar. Most importantly, it has a much lower protein content (around 7-9%) compared to all-purpose flour (around 10-12%). The lower protein content means less gluten will develop when the batter is mixed. Since gluten provides structure and chewiness (desirable in bread but not always in cakes), using cake flour results in a softer, more delicate, and less chewy crumb. All of these characteristics — fine milling, bleaching, and low protein — contribute to the overall tender texture, beautiful rise, and consistent, delicate crumb of your finished cake.

How to Make Easy Lemon Cake - Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Perfect Easy Lemon Cake

Crafting this moist and tangy lemon cake is a straightforward process when you follow these simple steps. Precision in baking ensures the best results, so take your time and enjoy the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen!

  1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and fresh lemon zest. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a uniform rise. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender texture.
  4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Follow with the almond extract, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
  5. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, carefully add the flour mixture into the wet mixture in increments. Mix until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you see no streaks of dry flour. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough cake.
  6. Fill the Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your 8×8 inch pan. Gently smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake and Cool: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates it’s fully baked. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the cake to set before you carefully invert it onto the cooling rack to cool completely.

Crafting the Perfect Lemon Cake Icing

A delicious lemon cake isn’t complete without a perfectly tangy and sweet lemon icing. This simple recipe comes together quickly and beautifully complements the cake’s bright flavors. Here’s how to whip it up:

  1. Mix Icing Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sifted confectioner’s sugar, fresh lemon juice, and heavy whipping cream. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Adjust Consistency: The beauty of this icing is its adjustability. If you desire a thicker icing – perfect for spreading – gradually add more sifted confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If, however, the icing appears too thick for drizzling or a lighter glaze, thin it out by adding a small amount (a teaspoon at a time) of additional lemon juice or heavy whipping cream until it’s just right.
  3. Decorate and Serve: Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the lemon icing generously over the top. For an extra touch of festivity and visual appeal, sprinkle with your favorite colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Serve your delightful easy lemon cake immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors!

Why Do Ingredients Need to be at Room Temperature for Baking?

Achieving a perfectly moist and tender easy lemon cake largely depends on one crucial factor: using room temperature ingredients. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a fundamental principle of good baking, especially when creaming butter and sugar. When your ingredients, particularly butter and eggs, are at room temperature, they blend together seamlessly. Cold butter, for instance, won’t properly emulsify with sugar, leading to a lumpy, inconsistent batter and a denser cake. You want to avoid any pockets of unblended butter or cold egg that could disrupt the even texture of your finished cake.

More importantly, when dairy products like butter and eggs are at room temperature, they form a stable emulsion with the sugar. This emulsion is critical because it’s what allows air to be effectively incorporated and trapped within the mixture during the creaming process. As the cake bakes, this trapped air expands, acting as a natural leavening agent. This expansion contributes significantly to the cake’s rise, creating a light, fluffy, and wonderfully tender texture that simply cannot be achieved with cold ingredients. So, planning ahead to let your ingredients warm up is a small step that yields a huge difference in the quality of your homemade lemon cake.

Our Best Easy Lemon Snack Cake


What Do You Mean by “Soft Butter”?

When a recipe calls for “softened butter” or “room temperature butter,” it means the butter should be pliable and slightly yielding to the touch, but still cool. It should not be melted, oily, or greasy. Ideally, when you press your finger gently into a stick of softened butter, it should leave an indentation without your finger sinking all the way through. This consistency is essential for proper creaming with sugar, allowing air to be incorporated efficiently, which in turn contributes to a light and fluffy cake texture. Typically, unsalted butter taken directly from the fridge will need about an hour on the counter to reach this perfect consistency, depending on your room temperature.

Lemon Cake Batter - Achieving the Right Consistency

Quick Tips: How to Soften Butter to Room Temperature

While the ideal scenario is to plan ahead and let your butter (and other chilled ingredients) naturally come to room temperature, sometimes life happens, and you need a quicker solution. Here are a few reliable methods to achieve that perfect “softened but not melted” butter for your easy lemon cake:

Method One: The Natural Counter Method

The simplest way is to take the butter (and any other ingredients that need to be at room temperature, like eggs and sour cream) out of the fridge and leave it on your kitchen counter. Depending on your room’s temperature, this usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. I typically start by pulling out all my chilled ingredients first, even before I begin prepping anything else. This way, I know for sure I have everything ready and at the right temperature before I’m halfway through a recipe and realize I’m out of something or an ingredient is too cold.

However, sometimes it’s winter, and 30 minutes just isn’t enough time to get the ingredients sufficiently warmed up. Or, let’s be honest, sometimes I’m just not that organized to plan ahead! It happens to the best of us. That’s why I have a couple of alternative tricks up my sleeve.

Method Two: The Microwave Trick (Use with Caution!)

For a quicker method, you can use your microwave, but proceed with extreme caution to avoid melting the butter. Place the butter stick, still wrapped in its paper (do not use this method if it’s wrapped in foil!), in the microwave. Microwave for 2 seconds, then flip the stick over. Microwave for another 2 seconds, flip again, and continue this process for 2 seconds on each side. This is usually enough to get it perfectly softened. You might even stop before going through all sides if it feels soft enough. **A critical warning:** Overly softened or melted butter from the microwave WILL ALTER the end result of your recipe, often leading to a greasy or dense cake. Do not over-do it – a few seconds too long can ruin the texture.

Method Three: The Warm Water Bath

My third go-to method is to place the wrapped butter sticks in a zip-top bag (or their original wrapper, if waterproof) and submerge the bag in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water. I often do this with eggs too, placing them gently in the same bowl. If the water isn’t too hot, this can be THE PERFECT way to quickly achieve truly “room-temperature” ingredients without any risk of melting or cooking them. It’s a gentle and effective way to ensure everything is at the ideal consistency for baking.


This Easy Lemon Cake recipe is not only SUPER EASY but also incredibly delicious. If you’re like me, you probably already have most of these items on hand. Or, perhaps you’ve never made a homemade cake recipe before and might feel a bit nervous – but trust me, you are absolutely going to love this! To help you along, I’ve put together a list of the baking essentials I personally can’t live without when making this delightful cake. (You can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store for inspiration!)

  • Cake Pan: An essential for baking, ensuring even heat distribution.
  • Stand Mixer: A powerful tool for effortless creaming and mixing, saving you time and effort.
  • Prep Bowls: Perfect for organizing and holding your measured ingredients, making the baking process smoother.
  • Wooden Spoons: Gentle yet sturdy tools for mixing and folding ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for precise measurements of extracts, baking powder, and salt.

Simple Icing for Easy Lemon Cake

If you love this easy lemon cake recipe and its delightful citrusy notes, you’re going to adore these other fantastic cake recipes too. Each one offers unique flavors and is designed to be easy and enjoyable to make at home. Please click each link below to discover the simple, printable recipe and add more delicious bakes to your repertoire!

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Confetti Cake – Funfetti Cake

It’s time for FUN! Celebrate your next birthday, wedding, or any other occasion with a homemade Funfetti Cake also known as Confetti Cake! Loaded with sprinkles and adorable colors – it’s perfect for bringing smiles!

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Iced Easy Lemon Cake - Delicious Dessert Idea

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Best Easy Lemon Cake - Homemade Recipe

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Easy Lemon Cake Recipe

Course Dessert, Snack
Servings: 9 pieces
Looking for an Easy Lemon Cake Recipe? This one is simple to follow and yields a delicious dessert. The cake is moist and tangy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Give it a try!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  

Lemon Cake

  • 2 ½ cups cake flour scoop and level method
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Colorful sprinkles

Lemon Icing

  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar sifted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch pan with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
  • In a bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
  • Carefully, add the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared 8×8 pan.
  • Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool for 20 to 30 minutes before removing it to a cooling rack.

Icing

  • Add the confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice, and heavy whipping cream to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until smooth. If you would like a thicker icing keep adding more confectioner’s sugar. If the icing is too thick, add more lemon juice or heavy whipping cream to thin it out.
  • Spread the icing on top of the lemon cake and sprinkle with your favorite colorful sprinkles.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You may use vanilla extract instead of almond extract. I like the flavor of almond extract in certain baked goods, but it’s a personal preference. Almond extract enhances the lemon flavor in this recipe.
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon zest is equal to about 1 lemon.
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice is about half of a large-sized lemon.
  • You can use all-purpose flour in this recipe instead of cake flour. You will use 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour instead of 2 ½ cups as the recipe states above.
  • The scoop and level method is the process you will use to accurately measure your cake flour. All you need to do is take a spoon and scoop the flour into a dry measuring cup, and then using the back of a knife scrape the top to level it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 0.4mg | Net Carbohydrates: 56g

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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