Easy and Tasty Summer Lemon Cake
A soft, moist, and refreshing homemade lemon cake bursting with fresh citrus flavour. This easy summer dessert is perfect for picnics, afternoon tea, family gatherings, or any occasion when you're craving a light and delicious cake.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Resting Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 lemons zest and juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and Greek yogurt. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Slice and serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a cup of tea.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavour.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly.
- The cake tastes even better the following day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months for an easy make-ahead dessert.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 31g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 7% DV