Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe
A bright, moist, and tender lemon-flavored cake made with simple, everyday ingredients. This Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe is quick to prepare, featuring a vibrant citrus zing from fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion from casual family treats to elegant celebrations.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free or Dairy Free with substitutions
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup milk
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the leavening and salt evenly throughout the flour for consistent flavor and rise.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the batter resulting in a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with fresh citrus aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in batches, alternating with the milk and fresh lemon juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Prepare and Add the Lemon Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create the glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake to lock in moisture and give a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest for the best flavor.
- Mix just until combined to avoid a dense or tough texture.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
- Test doneness with a toothpick, which should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon cake, easy lemon cake, lemonade cake, lemon dessert, quick cake, citrus cake, moist lemon cake