How to Bake a Lemon Cake (Easy & Moist Recipe!)

If you love desserts that are sweet, tangy, and refreshing, you’re going to LOVE lemon cake. This recipe gives you a soft, fluffy cake bursting with lemon flavor—perfect for, tea parties, or whenever you want a sunny, citrusy treat. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re new to baking!

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter (softened)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (grated peel)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🍋 Ingredients for Lemon Glaze (Optional but AMAZING!)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

🍰 How to Bake a Lemon Cake Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
    This gives it plenty of time to heat up while you prepare your batter.

2. Prepare Your Cake Pan

  • Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan with butter or spray.

  • Lightly dust with flour to keep your cake from sticking.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

This makes sure the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.

4. Cream the Butter and Eggs

In a large bowl:

  • Beat the softened butter until creamy.

  • Add the eggs one at a time.

  • Mix well after each addition.

This step gives your cake a light, fluffy texture.

5. Add Lemon Flavor

Stir in:

  • Lemon juice

  • Lemon zest

  • Vanilla extract

Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!

6. Combine Everything

  • Add half the dry mixture.

  • Add all the milk.

  • Add the rest of the dry mixture.

Mix gently until smooth — do not overmix.

7. Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

The top should be golden and slightly springy.

8. Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

🍋 How to Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl:

  • Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice.

  • Add lemon zest for extra flavor.

  • Stir until smooth and pourable.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm (not hot) cake and let it set.

🎉 Final Thoughts

A homemade lemon cake is bright, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to bake. With its soft texture and fresh citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that never lasts long. You can top it with glaze, frosting, or even fresh berries — whatever you like!