Lemon Bundt Cake is a classic, moist, and flavorful dessert that combines the tanginess of fresh lemon with the richness of butter. The cake’s texture is light yet dense, perfect for a special occasion or as a simple treat with a cup of tea. This cake is made with basic ingredients and comes together easily, making it a timeless favorite in many households.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to add a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Glaze: Add a lemon glaze on top by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy finish.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a delicious lemon poppy seed variation.
- Berry Addition: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce or omit the salt in the recipe.
- Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk? Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, but for the tangy flavor and texture buttermilk provides, it’s recommended to use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute (milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice).
- Can I make this cake without lemon zest? While lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor, you can make the cake without it. The lemon juice will still give the cake lemon flavor, though it may be less intense.
- Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. If you use a different type of flour, like whole wheat or almond flour, the texture may change.
- How can I make this cake more lemony? To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice or zest, or add a lemon extract for extra citrus punch.
- Can I bake this cake in a different pan? Yes, you can use a regular cake pan, but the baking time may differ. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
- Can I add frosting to this cake? Yes, you can frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra sweet touch.
- Why is my Bundt cake sticking to the pan? Ensure that the Bundt pan is greased properly, and for extra security, you can lightly dust it with flour after greasing.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
Conclusion
Lemon Bundt Cake is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a moist texture and a refreshing citrus flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Whether served plain or with a glaze, this cake is sure to satisfy your lemon cravings!
PrintLemon Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Bundt Cake is a light, moist, and flavorful dessert bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice. The buttery cake, combined with a hint of tangy lemon, makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Baked to golden perfection, it’s sure to impress with its delicious citrus flavor and perfect texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, you can make a glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice to drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Make sure to grease the bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- This cake keeps well for a few days at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes