Description
Zesty lemon cake delivers sunshine on a plate with irresistible Mediterranean charm. Rich buttermilk and fresh citrus create a perfect balance that will transport you to a delightful culinary paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, lemon pudding mix, along with wet ingredients: vegetable oil, large eggs, water, pure vanilla extract, and finely grated lemon zest. Gently fold the ingredients together using a whisk or electric mixer until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Carefully pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and create a smooth surface that will bake uniformly.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should come out completely clean with no raw batter clinging to it.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, which helps it set and makes glazing easier.
- Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted unsalted butter, heavy cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a separate bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid or sugar to achieve a smooth, pourable texture that will beautifully coat the warm cake.
- Generously drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled cake, ensuring an even distribution that covers the entire surface. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving at room temperature.
Notes
- Glaze preparation requires precise mixing of powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and zesty lemon juice for a silky-smooth topping.
- Cooling the cake on a wire rack helps prevent soggy bottoms and maintains the perfect texture after baking.
- Gentle mixing prevents overworking the batter, ensuring a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh lemon zest adds bright, citrusy notes that elevate the entire cake’s flavor profile.
- Baking time is crucial – watch for the toothpick test to guarantee a perfectly moist cake every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg