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A slice of Lemon Dream Cake served with the full cake in the background on a marble countertop.

Why Lemon Dream Cake is the Hottest Dessert Trend Right Now

A soft, airy lemon cake bursting with citrus brightness, topped with a luscious lemon glaze that enhances its sweet and tangy balance. Perfect for any occasion—whether a weekend indulgence, a birthday celebration, or a simple midweek treat.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep

    • Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar

    • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
  4. Incorporate the Lemon Flavor

    • Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    • Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
  6. Bake

    • Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the Glaze

    • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
    • Drizzle over the cake while slightly warm for a glossy finish.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, brush cake layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts lemon juice and sugar.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Author: Anna Gomez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per Slice, 12 Servings
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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