Indulge in Citrus Bliss: Lemon Cake Recipe
Craving a burst of sunshine in every bite? Look no further than this tantalizing Lemon Cake recipe. Delightfully zesty and moist, this cake is a citrus lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this Lemon Cake is sure to brighten your day with its refreshing flavors and irresistible charm. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this lemony masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box instant lemon pudding
- 2/3 cup oil
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, oil, eggs, water, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
5. Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked and still warm, poke several holes in the top using a fork or skewer.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and cover the entire surface.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest or slices for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy the tangy sweetness of this delightful Lemon Cake with your favorite hot beverage or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add More Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of lemony goodness, add a few drops of lemon extract to the cake batter and the glaze.
- Experiment with Frosting: Instead of a glaze, you can top the cake with lemon cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a different texture and flavor.
- Incorporate Nuts: For added crunch and texture, fold in chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans into the cake batter before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Use Fresh Lemon Juice Instead of Bottled? Yes, you can use freshly squeezed lemon juice for both the cake batter and the glaze. Fresh lemon juice will enhance the citrus flavor and freshness of the cake.
- How Should I Store Leftover Cake? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Can I Freeze Lemon Cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake either whole or in individual slices. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
- Cake Base: Replace the yellow cake mix with a low-carb almond flour or coconut flour-based cake mix. Substitute the sugar-free instant lemon pudding mix with a keto-friendly alternative.
- Sweetener: Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia instead of granulated sugar in the cake batter and glaze.
- Glaze Modification: Adjust the glaze by using powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar and reducing the amount of lemon juice to lower the carb content.
Embrace the tangy sweetness of this delectable Lemon Cake, perfect for any occasion or dessert craving. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavor, this cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re indulging in a slice on its own or pairing it with your favorite hot beverage, this Lemon Cake is a delightful treat that will brighten any day with its citrus charm.
