Description
This refreshing Lemon Cake combines the convenience of boxed mixes with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon for a moist, tender dessert. Enhanced with a luscious lemon glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion needing a citrusy, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box instant lemon pudding mix
- 2/3 cup oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, oil, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix all ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top gently.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack to prepare it for glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy whipping cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice together until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or sugar if needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving to ensure it holds on the cake.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact in both the batter and glaze.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick to prevent under- or over-baking.
- The glaze sets best when the cake is still slightly warm, so pour it soon after baking.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings and baked in a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.
