Name: Moist Lemon Bundt Cake with Silky Glaze - Pure Bliss!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option); 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (can be replaced with margarine or plant-based butter); 0.5 cups fresh lemon juice (use fresh for best flavor); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 large eggs (use flax eggs for vegan option); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust for desired thickness); 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the sun peers through my kitchen window, the zesty aroma of fresh lemons fills the air, transporting me to lazy afternoons spent in the garden. Today, I’m excited to share my cherished recipe for Lemon Bundt Cake—a moist and buttery delight that truly captures the essence of springtime. This cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile; it can elevate any brunch gathering or become the star of your celebrations. Plus, for those seeking a gluten-free option, I’ve got you covered! Imagine indulging in a slice of this tender cake, drizzled with a silky lemon glaze, as you savor that sweet-tart citrus flavor. Are you ready to whisk up a batch and brighten your day?

Why is Lemon Bundt Cake So Irresistible?

Bright, Zesty Flavor: Each bite of this cake bursts with the invigorating taste of fresh lemons, making it a refreshing treat any time of the day.

Effortless Elegance: A stunning centerpiece for any gathering, this cake combines simplicity with a sophisticated presentation that will impress your guests.

Versatile Dessert: Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a celebration, this cake adapts to any occasion, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Pair it with a delightful drink like Strawberry Lemonade Refreshing for a cheerful spread!

Gluten-Free Friendly: With a quick swap of the flour, anyone can enjoy this delicious treat, making it universally loved among friends and family.

Quick to Make: Bake this delightful cake in under an hour, providing a warm dessert on even the busiest of days, perfect for last-minute plans!

Lemon Bundt Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and body to the cake; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free Lemon Bundt Cake.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be replaced with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Imparts a bright, natural flavor; fresh is recommended over bottled for the best taste.
Lemon Zest – Enhances the citrus flavor, adding a burst of aroma.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s fluffy texture; use flax eggs for a vegan option.
Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the cake rise perfectly.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors throughout the cake.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Used for the glaze; adjust the amount to achieve the desired thickness and sweetness, creating the perfect finish for your Lemon Bundt Cake.
Lemon Juice – Mixed with powdered sugar to create a silky glaze that adds brightness and moisture.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Bundt Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a bundt pan generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. For added assurance, dust the greased pan with a light coating of flour, ensuring an easy release of your beautiful Lemon Bundt Cake once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, leading to a perfectly risen cake. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The airy texture adds to the overall fluffiness of your Lemon Bundt Cake, creating a delightful crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Citrus
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the vibrant citrus flavor to infuse the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula to combine gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s airy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no visible flour streaks, and the batter is smooth and slightly thick.

Step 6: Transfer to Bundt Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. This helps the cake rise uniformly, enhancing its beautiful shape as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool in Pan
Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This brief cooling period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to invert without breaking.

Step 9: Invert and Cool
Carefully invert the bundt pan onto the wire rack, tapping gently if needed to release the cake. Allow the Lemon Bundt Cake to cool completely before glazing, ensuring the icing won’t melt away.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, whisking until you achieve a smooth, silky consistency. Adjust the thickness as desired; a thicker glaze will sit nicely on top, while a thinner one will drizzle beautifully down the sides of the cake.

Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. The glossy lemon glaze perfectly complements the delightful flavor of the cake, making it visually stunning.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your Lemon Bundt Cake and serve with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for brunch or a simple family gathering. With every bite, enjoy the moist, buttery delight of this wonderful cake!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Bundt Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the Lemon Bundt Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This maintains its moistness while allowing its flavors to develop.

Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, tightly covered, for up to 1 week. The glaze may soften, so consider glazing just before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, allow the cake to come to room temperature, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a delightful treat!

Expert Tips for Lemon Bundt Cake

Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant taste that makes this cake sing.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense Lemon Bundt Cake instead of a light, airy texture.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting. This prevents it from breaking and ensures a beautiful shape when served.
Grease and Flour the Pan: A well-greased bundt pan is essential to prevent sticking. Use butter and a dusting of flour for a flawless release.
Thickness of Glaze: Adjust the powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze to achieve your desired thickness. A thicker glaze sets nicely, while a thinner glaze gives a lovely drizzle effect.

What to Serve with Lemon Bundt Cake

As you slice into this delightful dessert, envision a cozy gathering enhanced by complementary flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience.

Creamy Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich, buttery contrast, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
Fresh Berries Medley: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring vibrant color and a refreshing burst of sweetness, enhancing each bite.
Minty Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh element, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Iced Earl Grey Tea: The aromatic notes of bergamot in the tea harmonize beautifully with zesty lemon, creating a refreshing drink pairing.
Coconut Macarons: These chewy treats provide a delightful textural contrast to the cake’s fluffy crumb, while the coconut flavor complements the citrus.
Almond Coffee Cake: A slice of almond coffee cake makes for a delightful brunch option, combining nutty flavors that enhance the lemon’s brightness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds a creamy richness that melts into the cake, making for a dreamy dessert experience.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey provide an unexpected but delightful savory-sweet side, connecting beautifully to the cake’s flavor profile.
Homemade Lemonade: Cool, refreshing lemonade serves as a perfect drink to cleanse the palate between bites, heightening your enjoyment of this sweet treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti: Their crunchy texture and subtle bitterness create a wonderful contrast to the cake’s sweetness, inviting delightful bites with coffee or tea.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon Bundt Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. For even more efficiency, bake the cake and let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just drizzle on the silky lemon glaze before cutting into slices. This ensures every bite is just as delicious and moist as the day it was baked!

Lemon Bundt Cake Variations & Substitutions

Get ready to play with flavors and textures; these delightful twists will make your Lemon Bundt Cake truly shine!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a cake everyone can enjoy. This adjustment lets everyone join in on the deliciousness!
Dairy-Free: Use margarine or a plant-based butter to substitute unsalted butter, ensuring a rich, moist cake without any dairy. Your vegan friends will love a slice of this beauty!
Flavored Zest: Try incorporating different citrus zests, like orange or lime, to give your cake a unique twist. It will dance on your palate with new, exciting flavors!
Berry Burst: Fold in fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for added moisture and fruity flavor. This addition enhances not only the taste but also the beautiful presentation!
Poppy Seeds: Mixing in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds adds a delightful crunch and an elegant touch to your Lemon Bundt Cake. It’s a subtle twist that makes a big difference!
Lemon-Lime Fusion: Swap out some of the lemon juice for lime juice, pairing zesty flavors to create a tropical citrus cake. This refreshing spin is sure to brighten up your dessert table!
Buttercream Finish: Instead of a glaze, use a creamy lemon buttercream frosting for extra indulgence. This rich topping will delight those who crave a sweeter dessert experience.
Zesty Spices: Mix in a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a warm, spiced depth to the cake. It’s a surprising twist that can make your Lemon Bundt Cake unforgettable!

Explore these variations and discover new favorites! Pair your masterpiece with a refreshing drink like Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade for an unforgettable feast.

Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best lemons for the cake?
Absolutely! Look for lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, with a vibrant yellow color and slight shine. Avoid lemons with dark spots or blemishes, as these may indicate overripeness. For the best flavor, I recommend selecting fresh, organic lemons, which will impart a bright, zesty taste to your Lemon Bundt Cake.

What is the best way to store leftover Lemon Bundt Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have more than you can enjoy in that time, feel free to refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just keep in mind that the glaze may lose its texture, so it’s best to glaze just before serving to maintain that silky goodness!

Can I freeze Lemon Bundt Cake?
Certainly! You can freeze your Lemon Bundt Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

What should I do if my cake is dense instead of fluffy?
If your Lemon Bundt Cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To ensure a light texture, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined and measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method (spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off). This keeps your cake airy and tender!

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Yes! Since the Lemon Bundt Cake contains ingredients like eggs and sugar, it is not suitable for pets. If you’re preparing this cake for individuals with dietary restrictions, consider the gluten-free option with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Remember to check for any allergic reactions to specific ingredients like eggs or dairy before serving.

Can I modify the recipe for vegan diets?
Of course! To make a vegan version of your Lemon Bundt Cake, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit until it thickens) and use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. This way, everyone can indulge in this delightful treat!