Introduction:
This Very Easy Lemon Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
It’s light, refreshing, and simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re making it for a quick treat or for a special occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
With a fresh lemon flavor in both the cake and the glaze, it’s a delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 box of yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix, if available)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the cake mix: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix everything together until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Spread it evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the lemon glaze:
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest (if using) until smooth. Set aside.
Cool and glaze:
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake.
Serve:
Slice into squares or bars and serve.
Description:
This cake is incredibly easy to prepare and packed with refreshing lemon flavor.
The combination of the box cake mix with the zesty lemon adds brightness, while the simple lemon glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish.
The moist texture makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a dessert at a dinner party.
Tips:
For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the glaze or increase the lemon juice in the cake batter.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Bottled lemon juice can be too sour or lacking in freshness.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake—mix until just combined.
Let the glaze set:
If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it sit for a few minutes before drizzling over the cake.
For added texture, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the glaze after it sets, or add a few candied lemon peel strips.
Variations:
Lemon Blueberry Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2-3 tbsp of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix in place of regular cake mix to make it gluten-free.
Lemon Coconut Cake: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical touch.
Corrections:
Ensure the cake mix you use does not already include added flavors or ingredients that might overpower the lemon flavor. A plain yellow cake mix works best for this recipe.
Adjust the lemon glaze consistency by adding more or less powdered sugar to achieve your desired thickness.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve made your Very Easy Lemon Cake, enjoy this light, tangy, and utterly delicious dessert with friends or family. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion, and you can always experiment with different variations to keep things exciting!