Zesty & Moist Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe That Dazzles Every Time

Ever since discovering this incredible moist lemon bundt cake in my grandmother’s worn recipe notebook, I’ve been obsessed with its bright, zesty flavor.

citrus notes dance through each tender crumb, creating a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Soft and delicate, the cake melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something truly magical in your kitchen.

Buttermilk provides a luxurious tenderness that sets this recipe apart from ordinary cakes.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will fall in love with its effortless elegance.

Slice into this dreamy dessert and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Fresh Citrus Cake: The Bright Appeal

• Burst with Citrusy Freshness: Indulge in a zesty cake that brings a vibrant lemon punch to your taste buds, creating a refreshing and tangy dessert experience.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe offers simple steps that anyone can follow to create a stunning bundt cake.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its beautiful presentation and irresistible homemade flavor, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique mean you can whip up this delicious cake without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fresh Citrus Cake: Must-Haves List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the cake's moisture.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.

• Sour Cream, Lemon Juice: Add tanginess and help keep the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth of flavor to complement the citrus notes.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor and aromatic quality to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential for helping the cake rise and balancing the flavors.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Create a sweet and tangy glaze to finish the cake.

Easy Directions for Fresh Citrus Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and lovingly coat your bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Set this powdery mixture aside for later magic.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cloud that looks like delicious dreams.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs

Crack eggs into the buttery mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Watch your batter become smooth and silky.

Step 5: Boost Citrus Flavor

• Pure vanilla extract
• Fresh lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Creamy sour cream

Blend until everything looks harmonious.

Step 6: Marry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix – keep the batter tender.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and slide into preheated oven.

Bake 50-60 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes, then gently turn out onto cooling rack.

Step 9: Create Tangy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Drizzle this bright glaze over cooled cake and serve with sunshine.

Tips for Zesty Citrus Cake

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for maximum citrus flavor and bright, vibrant taste.
• Thoroughly grease and flour the bundt pan to ensure easy cake removal without breaking.
• Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Bring eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent texture.
• Wait until cake is completely cooled before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp finish.

Citrus Cake: Tasty Takes and Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of sour cream, and opt for egg substitute like applesauce or flax eggs.
• Orange Infusion Variation: Substitute lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile, creating a bright and tangy cake.
• Almond Citrus Cake: Add ground almonds to the flour mixture and top with sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Fresh Citrus Cake: Plating Inspiration

• Sunny Brunch Delight: Pair this zesty cake with a fresh mimosa for a bright morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve slices alongside lavender Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack individual cake slices with fresh berries and whipped cream for an outdoor gathering.
• Dessert Presentation Charm: Garnish with candied lemon peels and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an eye-catching finish.

Citrus Cake: Keep That Freshness

• Store cake in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days, keeping it moist and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Slice cake, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Leave cake uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance citrus aroma.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but may taste slightly less vibrant and can affect the cake’s overall taste.

• How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Thoroughly grease the bundt pan with butter or baking spray, ensuring every crevice is covered. Consider dusting the greased pan with flour for extra non-stick protection.

• What if I don't have a bundt pan?

You can use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan. Just adjust baking time and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

Moist Lemon Bundt Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon bundt cake brings sunshine to your dessert table with its tangy, refreshing flavor. Silky glaze and tender crumb promise a delightful slice of pure citrusy bliss that you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup lemon juice

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and thoroughly coat a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a smooth batter.
5. Fold in vanilla extract, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream until well combined.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain batter’s airiness and prevent overmixing.
7. Transfer batter into prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and ensuring no air pockets remain.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking time, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and golden.
9. Allow cake to rest in pan for 15 minutes, enabling it to set and prevent breaking when removed.
10. Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and additional zest until smooth, creating a glossy, tangy glaze.
11. Carefully invert cake onto serving plate and drizzle glaze over warm surface, allowing it to cascade down sides.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even texture throughout the cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Zest the citrus fruits before juicing to maximize flavor and aroma in the cake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 314 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg