If you love lemon desserts that are moist, tangy, and bursting with citrus flavor, then this Lemon Cake to Die For is just what you need! It’s soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze, making every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this lemon cake will steal the show.

This recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for lemon lovers who enjoy bright, refreshing flavors in their desserts. Plus, I’ll share variations, a keto-friendly version, and baking tips to make this cake absolutely perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

For Extra Moisture (Optional):

• ½ cup sour cream (adds richness and extra moisture)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan for a classic shape.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and lemon juice.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
6. If using sour cream, fold it in at the end to make the cake extra moist.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes (for a sheet cake) or 50-55 minutes (for a bundt cake), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
2. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice and serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Baking Notes & Tips

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor! Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright citrus taste.
• For an extra lemony punch, brush the cake with a simple syrup made of lemon juice and sugar before adding the glaze.
• Don’t overmix the batter! This will keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Make it even more special by adding white chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl to the batter.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Blueberry Cake

• Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking.

2. Lemon Coconut Cake

• Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

3. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

• Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a bakery-style lemon cake.

4. Keto & Low-Carb Lemon Cake

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour (2 ½ cups).
• Swap sugar for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.
• Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance, store it at room temperature, and glaze it just before serving.

2. Can I freeze lemon cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. What’s the best way to keep lemon cake moist?

• Use sour cream or Greek yogurt in the batter.
• Brush the cake with a lemon syrup after baking.
• Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

4. Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes! Use a lemon or vanilla cake mix and add fresh lemon juice and zest for a homemade touch.

5. What’s the best frosting for this cake?

• Lemon glaze for a simple, elegant finish.
• Cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy contrast.
• Whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing topping.

This Lemon Cake to Die For is truly a showstopper! With its zesty lemon flavor, soft texture, and tangy glaze, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.