The Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe is a vibrant and irresistibly moist treat that instantly brightens any dessert table. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, this cake perfectly balances tangy citrus flavors with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sunny slice of joy, this luscious lemon bundt cake is your new go-to recipe that promises smiles and satisfied taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this show-stopping cake. Each component plays a vital role in building its perfect texture, flavor, and stunning golden color.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and also helps with browning for a lovely crust.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture and stability.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Packs a fragrant punch of fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient delivering bright, tangy notes throughout the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the lemon with smooth, warm undertones.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Makes the batter tender and adds a slight tang that compliments the lemon beautifully.
- Nonstick baking spray: Essential for greasing the Bundt pan to guarantee the cake releases effortlessly.
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a sweet, delicate glaze that balances the tartness.
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens and thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a pop of color and intensified lemon flavor on top.
How to Make Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease your 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan and dust it with flour to ensure the cake releases easily. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this keeps your dry ingredients evenly mixed and ready for the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key for a light texture and lovely crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Citrus Flavors
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are what make the Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe uniquely vibrant and tantalizingly fresh.
Step 4: Alternate Flour and Buttermilk
Gently fold in the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating between the two and beginning and ending with the flour. This careful mixing prevents overworking the batter and keeps the cake tender.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth to make the glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled cake, allowing it to set to a delicate, shiny finish. This final touch ups the citrus brightness and adds a lovely sheen.
How to Serve Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your slice to a whole new level. Sprinkle finely chopped candied lemon peel or delicate edible flowers on top for a stunning presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant snowy effect that makes each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This lemon bundt cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Serve alongside tangy Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you want a creamy contrast. For brunch or afternoon tea, fresh berries and mint leaves bring elevated freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your cake beyond the classic slice by layering slices with whipped cream and lemon curd to build a trifle. Or, create mini individual Bundt cakes for party guests. Turning it into cake pops with a lemon glaze coating is another playful, crowd-pleasing option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist. Refrigerating is possible but may slightly dry out the cake unless well wrapped.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cake uncovered until firm, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen, it can last up to three months while maintaining its fresh lemon flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake fresh from the freezer or fridge, warm slices gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. This brings back that moist, just-baked sensation that’s so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
You can use lemon extract, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a natural brightness and vibrant flavor that extract alone can’t match. For the Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe experience, fresh is best!
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Absolutely! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This keeps the tender crumb and slight tang intact.
How do I know when the Bundt cake is done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the cake—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If batter sticks, give it more time.
Can I add extra lemon flavor? How?
You can brush the warm cake with a lemon syrup made from lemon juice and sugar before glazing. This amps up the citrus punch without risking a dense batter.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe is elegant yet approachable, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, tea parties, or any time you want to impress guests with something homemade and lovely.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the fresh burst of lemon paired with a tender, buttery cake to lift your spirits and sweeten your day. The Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that I can’t wait for you to try, share, and make your own. Once you bake this bright and beautiful cake, trust me, it will earn a special place in your dessert rotation forever.
Print
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a tender lemon-infused crumb topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a bright citrus treat, this cake balances sweetness with fresh lemon zest and juice to create a delightful, classic American dessert.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Nonstick baking spray (for greasing the pan)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan generously with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This aeration is key to a tender crumb.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain an emulsified batter.
- Flavor the batter: Mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, providing fragrant, citrus-forward notes.
- Combine batter and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Transfer to pan and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to slightly set. Then invert carefully onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing and serving. This final touch adds extra zing and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients come to room temperature to achieve the best texture and mixing consistency.
- For an interesting flavor twist, add a touch of almond extract to the batter.
- For an intensified lemon flavor, brush the warm cake with lemon syrup before applying the glaze.
