If you have been searching for a bright, luscious dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, tender buttery crumb, and topped with a glossy lemon butter glaze, this cake is a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet afternoon tea or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe truly shine, you only need simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a harmonious flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich butter that lends moistness and depth, to the bright lemon juice and zest that elevate the taste with fresh, zesty notes.

Unsalted butter: The base of the cake’s richness and the glaze’s silky smoothness—softened for easy mixing and melted for the glaze.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the cake perfectly soft yet stable.
All-purpose flour: The fundamental building block of the cake, giving it a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully without heaviness.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds moisture, richness, and tenderness to the batter.
Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that infuses sharp, fresh citrus brightness throughout.
Lemon zest: Contributes an aromatic, vibrant lemon essence that truly wakes up the taste buds.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to round out the flavors.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture for pouring.

How to Make Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your 9-inch round or loaf pan and dust it lightly with flour. This ensures your cake releases cleanly and develops that beautiful golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which gives the cake its tender, soft crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Lemon Zest, Juice, and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep everything emulsified. Then stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The lemon fragrance will instantly lift your kitchen’s aroma, making it feel like a cozy citrus paradise.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Milk

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Starting and ending with the flour mix, gently fold everything until just combined—overmixing can lead to a denser cake.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and a Toothpick Comes Out Clean

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a tantalizing lemony aroma that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Prepare and Pour the Lemon Butter Glaze

While the cake is still warm, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze. Poke holes across the warm cake surface using a skewer or toothpick, then slowly pour the glaze over — allowing it to seep deep into every moist crevice.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the cake cool completely so the glaze can set beautifully. Once ready, slice into generous squares or wedges and savor every bite. This is pure sunshine and comfort on a plate.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add texture, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a few carefully placed fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. A dollop of whipped cream or a light sprinkling of toasted almonds can provide a delicious contrast to the luscious cake.

Side Dishes

This cake is a lovely standalone treat but pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. These accompaniments bring balance and make the experience feel special without overpowering the delicate lemon flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve individual slices on pretty plates with edible flowers or zest curls on top. Layer the cake with lemon curd and cream for an indulgent trifle or cut into small cubes for charming bite-sized cake pops. The Lemon Butter Cake Recipe is versatile and always welcomes your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves the tender texture and the bright lemon flavor perfectly.

Freezing

If you want to save some cake for later, tightly wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen properly, your Lemon Butter Cake Recipe will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back the buttery softness and releases those enticing lemon aromas anew.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

Fresh lemon juice is ideal because it provides a natural brightness and authentic flavor that bottled juice often lacks. However, if fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be a substitute, but the flavor may be slightly less vibrant.

What pan size works best for this cake?

A 9-inch round or loaf pan is perfect for this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe. Choose a pan with similar dimensions to ensure the baking time and texture turn out as intended.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is designed to bake 1:1 like all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the cake should still be delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best indicator is the classic toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Is this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe suitable for a layered cake?

Absolutely! You can double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch pans for layers, then sandwich with lemon curd or frosting for a stunning lemon celebration cake.

Final Thoughts

When life calls for a bright, comforting dessert that feels both timeless and special, this Lemon Butter Cake Recipe answers with open arms. Its perfect balance of buttery richness and fresh citrus zest offers a bite of joy every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this radiant cake as much as I have. Happy baking!