Easy Lemon Cake Recipe 🍋

Looking for a quick, soft, and fluffy Easy lemon cake recipe that doesn’t need an electric beater? 🍰

You’re in the right place! This easy lemon cake can be made in just 15 minutes using a simple oven, with ingredients you already have at home. Perfect for beginners, this Easy Lemon Cake Recipe is moist, refreshing, and packed with zesty lemon flavor.

Whether it’s a tea-time treat, a dessert for guests, or just a quick homemade indulgence, this recipe will become your go-to.

You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Cake Recipe

This easy lemon cake is soft, light, and airy without the fuss of complicated tools. Unlike traditional recipes that require a stand mixer, this one is mixed by hand with a spoon or spatula. The combination of butter, vegetable oil, and eggs ensures a moist and tender texture, while the lemon zest and extract give a refreshing citrusy flavor. The best part?

It bakes quickly, so you can enjoy a homemade easy cake in minutes. It’s also versatile—serve it plain, with a simple lemon glaze, or even dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients You Need 📝

To make this quick easy lemon cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the easy lemon cake:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest 🍋
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons lemon extract
• 1 and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋

These ingredients are simple and easy to find in most kitchens. Using room temperature eggs is important for a smooth batter, and softened butter helps the cake remain fluffy and light.

Easy Lemon Cake Instructions 🍴

1. Preheat Your Oven 🔥

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. I recommend an 8-inch round or square pan. Preheating ensures the cake rises evenly and bakes perfectly.

2. Mix Sugar, Butter, and Oil 🧈

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until smooth and creamy. No electric beater is needed! This step helps create air pockets in the batter, which makes the cake light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Lemon Extract 🥚

Next, add 2 large room temperature eggs one at a time to the mixture. Stir gently after each egg until well incorporated. Then add 2 tablespoons lemon extract and 2 teaspoons lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor. Mixing slowly ensures that your cake batter remains airy and smooth.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients 🌾

In a separate bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients give structure to your cake while keeping it soft. Baking powder helps the cake rise beautifully.

5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Together 🥄

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth, slightly thick, and pourable.

6. Pour Batter into Pan 🍰

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. This ensures even baking and a perfectly smooth cake surface.

7. Bake Your Lemon Cake ⏲️

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick after 15 minutes; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. The cake should be golden on top and springy to touch.

8. Make the Lemon Glaze 🍋

While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup icing sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir until smooth and runny. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or a few drops of lemon juice for a thinner glaze. This glaze gives a sweet and tangy finish that enhances the lemon flavor.

9. Cool and Glaze the Cake 🧊

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack. While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the lemon glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will soak in slightly, adding extra moistness and flavor.

10. Serve and Enjoy 🍽️

Your soft and fluffy lemon cake is ready to serve! Slice it into pieces and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake keeps well for 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, and the lemon flavor only becomes more intense after a few hours.

Tips for a Perfect Easy Lemon Cake

• Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. Pre-grated zest loses aroma quickly.
• Room temperature eggs mix better and trap more air, making the cake fluffier.
• Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps the texture light.
• Check your oven temperature—a slightly hotter oven can brown the cake too fast, while a cooler oven can make it dense.
• Optional toppings: You can sprinkle powdered sugar, add lemon slices, or even top with fresh berries.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners 👩‍🍳

This recipe is beginner-friendly because it doesn’t require an electric beater or fancy ingredients. Mixing is done by hand, and the quick bake time means you can enjoy homemade easy lemon cake without waiting for hours. It’s perfect for busy days, unexpected guests, or a quick dessert craving.

Variations You Can Try 🍓

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Cake: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Mini Lemon Cakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 10–12 minutes for individual treats.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of glaze, top the cooled cake with a soft cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This quick lemon cake pairs beautifully with:

• Hot tea or coffee ☕
• Fresh berries 🍓
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
• Whipped cream 🥄

It’s versatile enough to be a casual snack or a fancy dessert for a special occasion.

Why Lemon Cakes Are a Must-Try Recipe 🍋

Lemon cakes are loved worldwide for their refreshing, citrusy flavor and soft, tender crumb. They are light yet satisfying, perfect for warm days or as a bright dessert in any season. This easy recipe proves that homemade cakes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even beginners can master it in under 15 minutes and impress family and friends.

Conclusion 🎉

Making a soft and fluffy easy lemon cake has never been easier! With this simple recipe, you don’t need a beater or complicated steps. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade, delicious lemon cake with a perfectly sweet and tangy glaze. 🍋

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to Continental Food for more easy homemade cakes, desserts, and instant recipes. This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy days, or anyone craving a fresh and moist lemon cake.

Enjoy your baking and savor every bite of this quick, soft, and flavorful lemon cake! 🥰