The Yummiest Lemon Cake Collection – 13 Easy & Delicious Recipes

Making Lemon Cake feels like sunshine on a plate because the soft, spongy layers soak up all the bright citrus flavor. Even when the frosting isn’t perfectly smooth or the zest is stronger than planned, it still smells amazing.

I like serving Lemon Cake with things that actually pair well, like a small bowl of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast, a few crunchy almond biscotti for texture, or even a dollop of creamy pistachio pudding to add richness. Sometimes I serve it with a light chia overnight oats parfait or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, and each combination makes the lemon cake feel exciting, balanced, and totally irresistible.

13. Classic Lemon Pound Cake

This classic lemon cake is simple yet rich in flavor and texture. It feels buttery and soft, with every bite bursting with lemony goodness. Serve it with coffee or tea for a perfect treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one by one.
4. Add lemon zest and juice, alternating with buttermilk and flour.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely before slicing.

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12. Lemon Olive Oil Cake

This lemon cake replaces butter with olive oil, giving it a lovely fruity note while keeping the crumb light and moist. It’s perfect for those who want something simple yet elegant and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon + ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch pan.
2. Combine flours, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk eggs, olive oil, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Mix everything until smooth and bake 25–30 minutes.
5. Cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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11. Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

This lemon cake combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries. It’s ideal for summer picnics or brunch gatherings because it looks stunning and tastes divine.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1½ cups blueberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a Bundt pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
3. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, zest, and vanilla.
4. Add lemon juice, buttermilk, and dry mix alternately.
5. Fold in blueberries and bake 50–60 minutes.
6. Cool completely before glazing or slicing.

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10. Lemon Drizzle Cake

This lemon cake has a sugary lemon glaze that soaks into the sponge, keeping it moist and flavorful. It’s a wonderful afternoon snack and easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¾ cup butter
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup milk
• For drizzle: ¼ cup lemon juice + ½ cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs and lemon zest.
3. Mix in lemon juice, milk, and dry ingredients.
4. Bake for 45–50 minutes.
5. While warm, pour the drizzle on top and let cool.

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9. Lemon Curd Layer Cake

This layered lemon cake is filled with smooth lemon curd, making it tangy, creamy, and rich, while remaining light and soft — perfect for parties or birthdays.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 cup lemon curd for filling

Directions

1. Bake two 8-inch cakes.
2. Slice each cake layer evenly.
3. Spread lemon curd between layers.
4. Frost with light whipped cream or buttercream.
5. Chill and serve.

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8. Glazed Lemon Cupcake Cake

These mini lemon cakes taste like full cakes but in a convenient cupcake form. The lemon glaze on top makes them extra bright and pretty, perfect for events or small gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¾ cup yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin.
2. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, zest, and juice.
3. Add yogurt and flour mixture.
4. Bake 20 minutes, then drizzle glaze on top.

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7. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This lemon cake with poppy seeds adds a unique nutty texture and flavor while remaining fluffy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, zest, and lemon juice.
3. Add milk, sour cream, and dry mix.
4. Fold in poppy seeds and bake 50–60 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

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6. Gluten-Free Lemon Almond Cake

This gluten-free lemon cake uses almond flour, making it moist and rich while the lemon adds a bright note. Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• ½ cup rice flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, zest, and lemon juice.
3. Add flours, baking powder, and yogurt.
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.

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5. Mini Lemon Mug Cakes

These single-serve lemon cakes are made right in a mug, quick and fun, while still delivering the zesty flavor of a full cake.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ⅛ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 egg yolk
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a mug.
2. Microwave for 90 seconds or bake 12–15 minutes.
3. Cool slightly before enjoying.

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4. Vegan Lemon Yogurt Cake

This lemon cake is completely vegan, using plant-based yogurt and oil instead of eggs and butter, resulting in a soft, light, and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup plant-based yogurt
• ½ cup oil
• ¾ cup sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all wet ingredients.
3. Add dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
5. Cool before slicing.

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3. Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Cake

This lemon cake combines soft sponge with creamy cheesecake swirls, creating a rich, tangy, and irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1¾ cups flour
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup milk

Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Mix cake batter and pour half into the pan.
2. Whisk swirl ingredients and dollop on top.
3. Add remaining batter and swirl lightly.
4. Bake 35–40 minutes and cool completely.

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2. Lemon Drip Birthday Cake

This lemon cake is perfect for birthdays with layers of moist cake, lemon buttercream frosting, and a shiny lemon drip.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• Lemon buttercream and glaze for topping

Directions

1. Bake three cake layers and let them cool.
2. Spread lemon buttercream between layers.
3. Pour lemon glaze on top for the drip effect.
4. Decorate and serve.

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1. Ultimate Lemon Cake Supreme

This is the ultimate lemon cake with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and a fluffy, buttery texture. It becomes the centerpiece of any celebration.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• Zest and juice of 3 lemons
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a round pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and lemon.
3. Stir in dry ingredients and sour cream.
4. Bake 45 minutes and cool before frosting with lemon glaze.

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Conclusion

These 13 lemon cake recipes showcase how bright, fresh, and joyful lemon can make every dessert. From quick mug cakes to layered showstoppers, there’s a lemon delight for everyone. Subscribe to my blog for more easy dessert recipes, creative baking ideas, and sweet inspiration every week!