Best 10 Lemon 1 2 3 4 Cake Recipes

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"Lemon 1 2 3 4 cake" is a classic and versatile dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this delightful cake is a favorite among home bakers of all skill levels. The name "1 2 3 4" refers to the measurements of the four main ingredients: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. The addition of lemon zest and juice adds a burst of citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for your next baking project.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC 1-2-3-4 CAKE (WITH VARIATIONS) RECIPE



Classic 1-2-3-4 Cake (With Variations) Recipe image

Here's an easy, classic 1-2-3-4 cake recipe with several variations, including bourbon cake, lemon cake, and orange cake.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Dessert     Cake

Time 1h10m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter (room temperature)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
Glaze (Optional, for Bundt Cake or Tube Cake):
1/4 cup butter (melted)
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2 tablespoons milk or cream

Steps:

  • Butter and flour a Bundt cake or (10-inch) tube cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans (or three 8-inch round cake pans).
  • Heat the oven to 350 F for Bundt or tube pan, or 375 F for layers.
  • Sift the flour with the salt and baking powder; set aside.
  • Cream the 1 cup of butter until light. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar; continue beating until light and fluffy. Beat in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add the sifted flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until the batter is smooth; do not overbeat.
  • Turn into the prepared pan(s).
  • Bake a tube or Bundt cake at 350 F for about 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cake bounces back when touched lightly with a finger. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes then carefully remove to cool on a rack.
  • Bake layers at 375 F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake bounces back when touched lightly with a finger.
  • For a Bundt or tube cake glaze, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth; add more milk, as needed, for drizzling over the cake.
  • If you made a layer cake, use your favorite frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402 kcal, Carbohydrate 60 g, Cholesterol 88 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 207 mg, Sugar 39 g, Fat 17 g, ServingSize 1 Cake (12 to 16 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

1-2-3-4 LEMON CAKE



1-2-3-4 Lemon Cake image

The name of this old-fashioned lemon cake comes from the simple formula used for measuring the main ingredients: one cup butter, two cups sugar, three cups flour, and four eggs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 8-inch round layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Grated zest of 2 lemons
3 cups Homemade Lemon Curd
Sweetened Whipped Cream
12 ounces assorted fresh berries
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange two racks in center of oven. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper. Dust bottoms and sides of pans with flour; tap out any excess.
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating on medium speed until lightened, 3 to 4 minutes; scrape down sides once or twice. Drizzle in eggs, a little at a time, beating after each addition until batter is no longer slick, about 5 minutes; stop once or twice to scrape down sides.
  • On low speed, alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, a little of each at a time, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
  • Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 25 minutes, then rotate the pans in the oven for even browning. Continue baking until a cake tester inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 10 to 20 minutes more. Transfer pans to wire racks to cool, 15 minutes. Turn out cakes; set on racks, tops up, until completely cool.
  • Remove the parchment from bottom of each cake. Using a serrated knife, slice each layer in half horizontally. Set aside the prettiest domed layer for the top of cake. Place another domed layer, dome-side down, on a serving platter. Spread 1 cup lemon curd over surface to within 1/2 inch from edges. Place second cake layer over the first, and spread another 1 cup curd over top. Repeat with third cake layer and remaining cup curd. Transfer partially assembled cake to the refrigerator.
  • Just before serving, place reserved dome on top of cake. Spoon sweetened whipped cream over the top. Sprinkle with mixed berries, and dust with confectioners' sugar through a fine sieve.

LEMON 1-2-3-4 CAKE



Lemon 1-2-3-4 Cake image

This is the cake my mother's mom made frequently. It is so easy, the cake was always in her memory. When someone had good news, she made the cake. When someone died, the cake always went to the family on a beautiful glass plate with her name written on adhesive tape so she would get it back. We rarely frosted it because it is a pound cake and is moist and tastes just fine without embellishment. Originally from Mrs. Cowell, Oakdale, California.

Provided by Spicy Little Sister

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup butter (real butter, do not substitute or change the amount)
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour (Gold Medal Kitchen Tested Enriched)
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder (Calumet)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Steps:

  • Cream butter and sugar until very pale yellow.
  • Beat at high speed until grain is gone.
  • Then add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla; beat well.
  • Sift dry ingredients three times and add alternately with milk, just until mixed.
  • In a separate bowl beat egg whites until stiff.
  • Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
  • Grease small angel food pan with Crisco or margarine.
  • Bake at 325 F, approximately 1 hours 10 minutes.
  • When cake in done, it bounces back when pressed.
  • Cool upside down on cake rack.
  • Run knife around edges of pan to loosen.
  • OPTIONAL:.
  • If you have a lemon, it is very good with the grated zest of the lemon added to the batter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 626.6, Fat 27.1, SaturatedFat 16.1, Cholesterol 171, Sodium 595.8, Carbohydrate 87.7, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 50.4, Protein 9.2

1-2-3-4 LEMON CAKE



1-2-3-4 Lemon Cake image

The name of this old-fashioned cake comes from its simple measuring formula: one cup butter, two cups sugar, three cups flour, and four eggs. Our take on the classic offers layers of textures and tastes, with sweetened whipped cream, custardy lemon curd, and fresh mixed berries.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
2 recipes Lemon Curd
Whipped cream
12 ounces assorted fresh berries
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans; line with parchment rounds, and butter parchment. Dust with flour, tapping out excess. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl.
  • With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar, and beat until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl once or twice. Gradually add eggs; beat until incorporated after each addition, scraping down sides of bowl once or twice.
  • Slowly add the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with 2 batches of buttermilk; beat until just combined. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake, rotating halfway through, until a cake tester comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer pans to wire racks to cool 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks to cool completely.
  • With a serrated knife, split each cake in half horizontally. Reserve the prettiest domed top for the top of the cake. Place the other top, dome-side down, on a cake stand or platter, and spread evenly with 1 cup lemon curd to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Top with second layer, and spread with another 1 cup curd. Repeat with third layer and remaining curd. Refrigerate cake to firm up lemon curd (or, if the kitchen is warm and the curd is too soft during assembly, refrigerate the layers as they are completed).
  • Just before serving, place the reserved domed layer on top of cake. Spoon whipped cream over top, and sprinkle with berries; dust with confectioners' sugar.

LEMON LAYER CAKE



Lemon Layer Cake image

This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. -Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup 2% milk
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
SYRUP:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: Lemon slices or edible flowers

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease parchment., Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and juice. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and milk. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 24-28 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool slightly., For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; beat in confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and salt until blended., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Brush layers with warm syrup; cool completely., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup frosting. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. If desired, top with lemon slices or edible flowers. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 841 calories, Fat 48g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 219mg cholesterol, Sodium 656mg sodium, Carbohydrate 96g carbohydrate (72g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

1-2-3-4 CAKE



1-2-3-4 cake image

This layer cake was a standard in our house. This recipe is a very old one that people could keep in their heads because of the utter simplicity of the formula that gave the cake its name-1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs.

Provided by James Beard

Categories     Cake     Egg     Dessert     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Party     Orange Juice     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes one 3-layer cake; 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

For the Cake
Softened butter and flour, for the pans
N/A and flour
3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon plain salt
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

Steps:

  • Butter and flour the bottom and sides of three 8 by 1 1/2-inch cake pans with the softened butter, tipping out the excess flour.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until it is light, creamy, and fluffy, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar into the butter, and beat until the mixture is very light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. As the sugar blends in it will change the color of the butter to a much lighter color, almost white.
  • Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl until they are well blended. Gradually beat into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, starting with the flour mixture, add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with two equal additions of the milk, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. In a clean bowl using clean beaters beat the egg whites until they form firm, glossy peaks. Do not overbeat until they are stiff and dry. Fold the whites into the batter.
  • Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pans, dividing it equally among them. Give the filled pans a little knock on the countertop to level the batter. Bake in the center of a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes, or until each cake springs back when touched in the center. Remove the pans from the oven and put them on wire cake racks to cool for a few minutes, then loosen the layers by running the flat side of a knife blade around the sides of the pans, put a rack on top of each pan, and invert so the cake comes out onto the rack, top side down. Then reverse the layers so they are top side up.
  • Mix the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and orange rind together and drizzle the mixture over the still warm cake layers, being careful not to let it all soak into one spot; then pile the layers on top of each other. Let the cake cool.

1-2-3-4 CAKE



1-2-3-4 Cake image

Here's a Paula Deen update of my mom's favorite cake recipe. I remember Mom using the recipe as it was, printed on the side of the "Swans Down Cake Flour" box. A great Birthday-Cake kind of recipe, it's called "1-2-3-4 Cake" because, the ingredients, at that time, were listed: "1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups cake flour, 4 eggs" etc. Paula's recipe simplifies some steps, with nothing lost in flavor and texture.

Provided by Fauve

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 1 3 layer cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
3 cups sifted self-rising flour
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans,.
  • Using an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy.
  • Add sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add flour and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
  • Add vanilla and continue to beat until just mixed.
  • Divide batter equally among prepared pans.
  • Level batter in each pan by holding pan 3 or 4 inches above counter, then dropping it flat onto counter.
  • Do this several times to release air bubbles and assure you of a more level cake.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.
  • Cool in pans 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Invert cakes onto cooling racks.
  • Cool completely and spread cake layers with your favorite frosting to make a 3-layer cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.1, Fat 18, SaturatedFat 10.8, Cholesterol 105.5, Sodium 565.9, Carbohydrate 57.6, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 33.5, Protein 6

OLD-FASHIONED 1-2-3-4 CAKE



Old-Fashioned 1-2-3-4 Cake image

A 19th century recipe for yellow cake that's easy to remember and simple to make. It's also the basis for variations like coconut, orange, lemon, almond and spice cake. My son always requests it plain with chocolate buttercream frosting for his birthday.

Provided by Sasha Kamen

Categories     Cakes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 c unsalted butter at room temperature
2 c white sugar
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 c milk
3 c sifted all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread Crisco on the bottom and sides of cake pan(s) and dust with flour. Tap out excess.
  • 2. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, salt and vanilla in the large bowl of an electric mixer until very light and fluffy, about four minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently with a rubber spatula.
  • 3. Stir the baking powder into the milk, and with the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  • 4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes for layers, slightly longer for the oblong pan, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched with your finger.
  • 5. Cool the layers in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes before turning out on the rack to cool completely. You can leave the oblong cake its pan to cool.
  • 6. When completely cooled, finish with your desired filling and frosting.
  • 7. VARIATIONS: Coconut: Before adding the flour and milk to the basic cake, stir in 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut and 3/4 teaspoon coconut extract. Frost cake with a coconut frosting. Orange: Stir in grated zest of 1 orange before adding flour and replace milk with orange juice. Bake cake in a 10-inch, greased and floured tube or Bundt pan. Almond: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla. After frosting, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.

1-2-3-4 CAKE



1-2-3-4 Cake image

Provided by Emily Weinstein

Categories     dinner, lunch, dessert

Time 1h

Yield One nine-inch, two-layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
3 cups cake flour (sift and then measure)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsweetened butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-inch baking pans and line the bottom of each with parchment paper. Butter the paper and dust the pans with flour, tapping out the excess.
  • Stir baking powder and salt into cake flour.
  • In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the four egg yolks one at a time. Add the vanilla to the mixture.
  • Add the flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with one third of the flour. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
  • In another bowl, whisk egg whites to soft peaks. Stir one third of the egg whites into the batter, then gently fold in the rest. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Hint: Whisk the egg whites first in the mixer and put the stiff egg whites on a plate. Then beat the sugar and butter in the same bowl.

LEMON DUMP CAKE



Lemon Dump Cake image

This easy cake is the perfect balance of tart, creamy, and sweet, and the texture is soft with just the right amount of crispness.

Provided by fabeveryday

Categories     Dump Cake From a Mix

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

nonstick cooking spray
1 (22 ounce) can lemon pie filling
1 (15.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
½ cup salted butter, cut into small pieces
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip®), thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Spread the lemon pie filling onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish in an even layer with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle half of the cake mix in an even layer over the lemon pie filling. Add the pieces of the cream cheese evenly over the cake mix, then top with the remaining cake mix in an even layer. Add the butter pieces, spaced out evenly over the top of final cake mix layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is browned and the cake mix powder has all absorbed and baked, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Serve topped with Cool Whip®.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 517.1 calories, Carbohydrate 67 g, Cholesterol 117.6 mg, Fat 25 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 14.4 g, Sodium 412 mg

Tips:

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor will not be as bright.
  • Zest the lemons before juicing them. This will release the essential oils from the lemon peel, which will give the cake a more intense lemon flavor.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, which will make the cake lighter and more tender.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the batter from curdling.
  • Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can toughen the cake.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Lemon 1-2-3-4 cake is a classic recipe that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a bright lemon flavor. The frosting is light and fluffy, and perfectly complements the cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a special celebration.

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