How to Make a Soft and Moist Lemon Cake Recipe
Indulge in the delightful tangy sweetness of this Soft and Moist Lemon Cake that is sure to please your taste buds. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and a moist, tender crumb, this cake is a must-try for all citrus dessert lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake or loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Moisture & Flavor:
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or buttermilk
- Lemon glaze or frosting (see below)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
- Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients – Combine oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Add Citrus Flavors – Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice. Add sour cream or yogurt for extra moisture if desired.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients – Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Step 5: Mix Everything Together – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk/buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection – Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional) – Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
- You can enhance the citrus flavor by adding more lemon zest if desired.
- For a richer texture, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Feel free to customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of lemon glaze/frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Lemon Cake, Citrus Dessert, Moist Cake Recipe, Lemon Glaze, Baking
