A moist, tender cake infused with bright lemon flavor, finished with a zesty glaze. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10–12 cup Bundt pan with butter or baking spray, then dust with flour.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape bowl as needed.
- Lemon & Vanilla: Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (batter may look slightly curdled—this is okay).
- Combine Wet & Dry: On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk in three parts: dry, buttermilk, dry, buttermilk, dry. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cake cool in the pan 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust with more sugar/juice for desired thickness. Drizzle over cooled cake. Sprinkle with lemon zest if using.
Tips
- Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Extra Moisture (Optional): Brush warm cake with a syrup of ¼ cup lemon juice + ¼ cup sugar (heated until dissolved).
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Enjoy this citrusy delight with tea, coffee, or as a sunny dessert!
