Best 8 Light Lemon Cake Recipes

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If you're looking for a delightful and luscious treat that offers a balance of tangy and sweet flavors, look no further than the light lemon cake. With a delicately moist crumb, a zesty lemon glaze, and a hint of fragrant lemon zest, this cake is a true culinary delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect light lemon cake, ensuring that every bite is a burst of citrusy goodness.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SIMPLE LEMON CAKE



Simple Lemon Cake image

Whole lemons are the base of this rich, citrusy simple lemon cake batter. Precooking the fruit removes the pucker and makes for an intensely flavored cake that's a family-friendly dessert.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
1/2 pound lemons (about 2), ends removed, cut crosswise into thin slices, and seeds removed
Coarse salt
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Raspberries and whipped cream (optional), for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep). In a medium saucepan, cover lemon slices with 3 cups water. Add pinch of salt, cover, and bring to a boil over high. Boil lemons, partially covered, until very tender, 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and transfer to a food processor, along with lemon juice; process until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter on medium, 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
  • With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with 2 additions buttermilk. Beat in vanilla, then fold in lemon mixture.
  • Transfer batter to pan and bake until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack, 20 minutes. Remove cake from pan and let cool completely on rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve with raspberries and cream, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360 g, Fat 16 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g

LEMON CAKE FROM SCRATCH



Lemon Cake From Scratch image

Super yummy, light lemon taste. A different thing to try is to put the cake mixture into large muffin tins to make a bunch of little cakes, you just need to reduce the baking time. Let cake cool before frosting or glaze while still slightly warm.

Provided by BakersDozen

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup low-fat buttermilk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans, tapping out excess flour.
  • Whisk flour, lemon zest, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a bowl.
  • Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, into creamed butter mixture on low speed, beating well after each addition before adding the next. Beat lemon juice into butter mixture. Beat flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, into butter mixture until batter is just combined. Divide batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cake pulls away from sides of pan, 32 to 35 minutes. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of pan and invert cake onto a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.8 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 74.2 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 182.6 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

SIMPLE LEMON CAKE



Simple Lemon Cake image

This simple lemon cake is perfect for picnics and parties. It's moist and soft.

Provided by BakingTwins

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup white sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  • Beat sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
  • Sift flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl; add to creamed mixture. Pour in milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice and mix until you achieve a smooth batter. Spoon batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.1 calories, Carbohydrate 35.8 g, Cholesterol 63.1 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 172.7 mg, Sugar 21.1 g

LIGHT LEMON CAKE



Light Lemon Cake image

"I revised a recipe that appeared in the newspaper to come up with this lemony cake topped with a light and creamy frosting," shares Edna Thomas of Warsaw, Indiana. "Not only is it fast to fix, but it serves a crowd."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
1-3/4 cups water
2 egg whites
3/4 cup cold fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 package (1 ounce) instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, lemon pudding mix, water and egg whites. Beat on low spread for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. , Pour into a 13x9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the milk, extract and vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes more or until soft-set. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 289mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

LEMON LAYER CAKE



Lemon Layer Cake image

Although its style varies from diner to diner, lemon layer cake is a regular item on the lunch counter. This version is full of pure lemon flavor: moist lemon cake layers filled with a tart, creamy filling, all covered with a lemon buttercream frosting. Serve with good-quality vanilla ice cream, if you like.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large whole eggs, at room temperature
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • 1. To make the lemon cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust the pans with flour and tap out the excess.
  • 2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together the dry ingredients with a whisk. Set aside.
  • 3. In an electric stand mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, increase the speed to medium-high, and continue to beat until the mixture is light, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • 4. Add the whole eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon zest. Reduce the speed to low and gradually beat in he lemon juice (the batter will appear curdled at this point smooth out after you add the dry ingredients). Beat in the dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 10 seconds. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans.
  • 5. Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the rakcs and cool completely.
  • 6. To make the lemon filling, in a medium nonreactive saucepan, whisk together the yolks and sugar until combined. Whisk in the lemon juice, butter, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mixture turns opaque, thickens, and coats the back of the spoon. Do not let the filling boil, or it will curdle. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and allow the filling to cool.
  • 7.Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chilled.
  • 8. In a clean bowl of the electric mixer, using the whisk attachment or beaters, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Remove the lemon filling from the refrigerator and whisk until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the filling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling until ready to assemble the cake.
  • 9. To make the lemon frosting, in the large bowl of the electric mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar on low speed. Add the cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest. Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat for about 3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • 10. To assemble the cake, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Pile the lemon filling onto the center using a small offset metal spatula, and spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the cake layer. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon frosting. (If some of the filling oozes out from the middle, just blend it with the frosting around the sides of the cake.) Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

LIGHT LEMON SPONGE CAKE



Light Lemon Sponge Cake image

This is a lemon sponge cake (two tiered) with lemon buttercream, named "light" because this is the comment I receive every time it's eaten

Provided by graceemma

Time 1h20m

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 or 2 cake tins 8x8inch
NOTE: If you make one cake it won't cut in half because the sponge is too soft, therefore you must make 2 separate cakes.
100g softened butter (1/2 fat or light)
175g self raising flour
1tsp baking powder
175g caster sugar
2 eggs (whisked)
6tbsp whole/full fat milk
1 grated lemon rind
55g butter (1/2 fat or light)
1tbsp lemon juice
2tspns grated lemon rind
250g icing sugar
To decorate (optional)
Icing sugar
Raspberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 160C/fan and then Grease or line the cake tin
  • In a bowl add the ingredients FOR ONE TIER one by one in the order stated above, mixing as you go.
  • Once the mixture is smooth (airy with a few bubbles is ok) pour it into the lined cake tin.
  • Put the cake into the preheated oven for 15 mins, then take out and turn the tin around and put back in for another 18 mins.
  • To test if the cake is cooked insert a tooth pick into the dome of the cake, if it comes out clean the cake is ready.
  • It should be golden brown on top!
  • Leave the cake to cool for about ten minutes in the tin then transfer onto a cooling rack for another 10-15.
  • Repeat steps 1-6 for the second cake tier.
  • Whilst the cakes are cooling prepare the buttercream;
  • using a whisk, whisk the butter ,adding the icing sugar slowly, then when you've added all the icing sugar whisk in the lemon juice and rind.
  • When the cakes have each cooled use a pallet knife ~ or flat knife~ to spread HALF of the buttercream onto ONE cake.
  • Then carefully place the other cake on top (BEWARE OF ANY BUTTERCREAM SEEPING OUT THE SIDES)
  • Use the remaining buttercream for the top of the cake then decorate with icing sugar and raspberries(optional)

LIGHTER LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE



Lighter lemon drizzle cake image

Angela Nilsen gives one of our site's most popular cakes the ultimate healthy makeover by reducing fat

Provided by Angela Nilsen

Categories     Afternoon tea, Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield Cuts into 12 slices

Number Of Ingredients 11

75ml rapeseed oil , plus extra for the tin
175g self-raising flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
50g ground almond
50g polenta
finely grated zest 2 lemons
140g golden caster sugar
2 large eggs
225g natural yogurt
85g caster sugar
juice 2 lemon (about 5 tbsp)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly oil a 20cm round x 5cm deep cake tin and line the base with baking parchment. For the cake, put the flour, baking powder, ground almonds and polenta in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and sugar, then make a dip in the centre. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then stir in the yogurt. Tip this mixture along with the oil into the dip (see step-by-step number 1), then briefly and gently stir with a large metal spoon so everything is just combined, without overmixing.
  • Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the top (step 2). Bake for 40 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil for the final 5-10 mins if it starts to brown too quickly.
  • While the cake cooks, make the lemon syrup. Tip the caster sugar into a small saucepan with the lemon juice and 75ml water. Heat over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Raise the heat, boil for 4 mins until slightly reduced and syrupy, then remove from the heat.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool briefly in the tin. While it is still warm, turn it out of the tin, peel off the lining paper and sit the cake on a wire rack set over a baking tray or similar. Use a skewer to make lots of small holes all over the top of the cake (step 3). Slowly spoon over half the lemon syrup (step 4) and let it soak in. Spoon over the rest in the same way, brushing the edges and sides of the cake too with the last of the syrup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 243 calories, Fat 10.2 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1.4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 35.4 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 21.5 grams sugar, Fiber 0.9 grams fiber, Protein 4.7 grams protein, Sodium 0.34 milligram of sodium

LEMON LOAF CAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Lemon Loaf Cake Recipe by Tasty image

Learn how to make your favorite coffee shop's signature pastry. It's lemony, sweet, decadent, and worth the wait.

Provided by Katie Aubin

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 stick
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (22 x 12 cm) loaf pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and beat to incorporate, scraping down the side of the bowl between additions.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients to the batter, about ⅓ at a time, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat between each addition until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
  • Make the lemon icing: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice and milk and whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the icing evenly over the top of the cake, spreading to reach the edges of the pan. Let the glaze set completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer to a serving platter, slice, and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 607 calories, Carbohydrate 91 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 7 grams, Sugar 71 grams

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting cake. This is especially true for the lemons, which should be ripe and juicy.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at the right temperature: The cake should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oven is too hot, the cake will brown too quickly and the inside will be undercooked. If the oven is too cool, the cake will take too long to bake and will be dry.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature: The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This light lemon cake is a classic for a reason. It's easy to make, incredibly moist and flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious cake that everyone will love. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing cake, give this lemon cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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