Lemon Cake from Scratch

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly moist, this Lemon Cake from Scratch is a citrus lover’s dream! Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest, this homemade cake bursts with fresh, natural flavor in every bite. The tender crumb is balanced by a zesty lemon glaze that drizzles beautifully over the top, creating the perfect combination of sweet and tart. With a simple 20-minute prep time and no need for boxed mixes, this easy yet elegant dessert is perfect for spring celebrations, brunches, or weeknight treats. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and serve up this delightful citrus treat to wow your family and friends!

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 2.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.75 cups Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 pieces Large eggs
• 0.5 cups Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Lemon zest
• 0.75 cups Whole milk
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 0.25 cups Freshly squeezed lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5

Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until fully incorporated.

Step 6

Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 7

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and pourable.

Step 11

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired, before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1604.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4887.2

Total Fat 173.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1153.5mg	0%
Sodium 2685.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 798.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 546.3g
Protein 63.5g	0%

Vitamin D 240.5IU	0%
Calcium 460.4mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 1134.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.1%

Protein: 5.1%

Carbs: 63.8%