Zesty Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe: Bright & Fluffy Homemade Joy

Crafting a delightful lemon bundt cake brings pure sunshine to your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance through this classic dessert, promising a burst of flavor.

Sweet and tangy ingredients mingle to create a memorable treat.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a delectable experience with every slice.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe.

Minimal effort yields maximum enjoyment, making this cake a perfect choice for any gathering.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of lemony bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this lemon cake extra moist?

The combination of cake mix, pudding mix, and sour cream creates an incredibly soft and tender texture that keeps the cake super moist and delicious.

• Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice works best and will give a brighter, more vibrant lemon flavor to the cake compared to bottled juice.

• Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for beginners. It uses a cake mix as a base, which simplifies the process and makes it nearly foolproof, with just a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavor.

Easy Lemon Cake Magic: Sunny Highlights

• Whip Up Quickly: This lemon cake comes together in a flash with simple ingredients and minimal prep, perfect for busy bakers who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The tangy lemon flavor and creamy frosting make this cake a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and weekend celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Foolproof Baking: Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with straightforward mixing instructions and basic pantry staples, ensuring a professional-looking dessert every single time.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: The overnight chilling technique allows flavors to develop and makes this cake an excellent make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

What You Need for Lemon Cake Magic

• Cake Mix: Standard boxed mix that serves as the foundation for the cake's texture and structure.
• Instant Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and enhances the cake's softness and flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides richness and helps create a tender, moist cake.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake's structure.

• Vegetable Oil, Water, Lemon Juice: Adds moisture, helps blend ingredients, and provides bright citrus flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, creamy, and sweet topping that complements the lemon cake's flavor.

How to Make Lemon Cake Magic

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your bundt pan and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray, making sure to coat every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Create Magical Batter

• Cake mix
• Instant pudding mix
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Water

Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, creating a silky batter that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Fill The Pan

Carefully pour the luscious batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly to ensure a perfect rise and beautiful shape.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing a golden, fragrant masterpiece.

Step 5: Chill And Rest

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, pop it into the refrigerator and let it rest overnight to develop deeper, more intense flavors.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and irresistibly light.

Step 7: Decorate With Flair

Using a piping bag, create elegant vertical stripes of frosting across the cake, transforming it into a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Light, Lemony Cake

• Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to create an incredibly soft, tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Grate fresh lemon zest into the batter for a more vibrant, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Let ingredients like eggs and cream cheese sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its delicious moisture and fresh taste.

Lemon Cake Magic: New Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Lemon Delight: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use vegan butter for frosting to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Treat: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free pudding mix to reduce overall sugar content.
• Almond Flour Alternative: Use almond flour instead of cake mix for a lower-carb, grain-free version with added nutty flavor profile.

Serving Up Lemon Cake Magic

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh berries and a light mimosa for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair with Earl Grey tea and delicate lemon wedges for an elegant dessert experience.
• Refreshing Summer Spread: Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled at outdoor gatherings for a cool, tangy sensation.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package individual slices in clear wrap with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Lemon Cake: Keep It Fresh

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Carefully wrap entire unfrosted cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keeps frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, use low power setting and avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon bundt cake brings sunshine to your dessert table with zesty citrus charm. Moist, tender crumb and glimmering lemon glaze promise a refreshing slice of pure happiness you’ll savor until the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 lemon cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 box (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant lemon pudding mix
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9-inch bundt pan thoroughly with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, instant pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and water. Blend ingredients using an electric mixer until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
4. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 45-55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
5. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 1-2 hours.
6. After cooling, refrigerate the cake overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
7. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until silky and smooth.
8. Once the cake is chilled, pipe the frosting in elegant vertical stripes along the surface of the bundt cake for a decorative finish.

Notes

• Boost Moisture by adding an extra dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an incredibly tender crumb.
• Maximize Lemon Flavor by zesting fresh lemons directly into the batter and using both juice and zest for a more intense citrus punch.
• Customize Texture by experimenting with different pudding mix flavors like vanilla or coconut to create unique variations of the cake.
• Make Gluten-Free by substituting the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 173 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg