Description
Silky smooth lemon cake delights taste buds with its zesty charm and sunshine-kissed flavor. Delicate crumb and tangy glaze promise a slice of pure bliss that will transport you to citrus paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 small box (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant lemon pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
Liquid Ingredients:
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and carefully coating an 8-inch cake pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Create a velvety foundation by vigorously creaming butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, unified texture.
- Infuse the batter with bright citrus notes by gently stirring in freshly grated lemon zest and juice, which will provide an intense aromatic profile.
- In a separate vessel, sift together dry ingredients, ensuring flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
- Construct the cake batter by methodically alternating between dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk, mixing until a silky, homogeneous blend emerges.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and eliminating any air pockets with gentle tapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into the center.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully release and transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- Embellish the cooled cake with the tangy glaze, finishing with a sprinkle of lemon zest for visual appeal and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Adjust oven temperature slightly lower for extra moist cake, preventing dry edges while ensuring even baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients to create smoother, more uniform cake batter that blends perfectly.
- Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and minimize kitchen mess.
- Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with lemon juice for vegan-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg