Rich Lemon Cake Recipe

Indulge in this irresistible Rich Lemon Cake! A crowd-pleasing classic, this recipe boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a bright, zesty lemon flavor that will leave you craving more. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple weeknight treat, this cake is surprisingly easy to make and even freezable for future enjoyment. Get ready for rave reviews!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 75 mins

Calories 615.5 kcal

Protein 13g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Rich Lemon Cake

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
Lemon, Zest Of
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

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How to Make Rich Lemon Cake

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan or bundt cake pan.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon zest, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon almond extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
Meanwhile, whisk together ½ cup fresh lemon juice and 1 ½ cups powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
Remove cake from oven and immediately poke small holes all over the top using a wooden skewer or cake tester.
Pour ¾ of the lemon glaze over the warm cake.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate or waxed paper (if freezing).
Pour the remaining glaze over the top of the cooled cake.
Let the glaze set at room temperature.
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 48 hours, or freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

280g

Fat

63g

Carbs

33g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts European American Southern Vegetarian Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Desserts Fruit Oven Potluck Dinner Party Holiday Event Kid Friendly Kosher Cakes Dietary Gifts To Go Equipment 4 Hours Or Less

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Rich Lemon Cake?

Rich Lemon Cake takes about 95 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 75 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Rich Lemon Cake?

Rich Lemon Cake has approximately 615.5 calories per serving, with about 13 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates and 32 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Rich Lemon Cake?

The key ingredients for Rich Lemon Cake are Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Lemon, Zest Of, Baking Powder, Almond Extract. See the full list with measurements above.