How to Make a Perfect Lemon Bundt Cake with a Tangy Lemon Glaze

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Lemon desserts are my weakness, and this Lemon Bundt Cake is one of my absolute favorites! It’s soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The sweet and tangy lemon glaze drizzled on top takes it to the next level, making it the perfect dessert for Easter, summer gatherings, or just when I’m craving something citrusy and delicious.

I love how simple yet elegant a Bundt cake can be. It looks stunning with minimal effort, and the unique shape allows the glaze to drip beautifully over the ridges. The combination of zesty lemon and moist, rich cake makes every bite irresistible. If you’re looking for a cake that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any celebration, this Lemon Bundt Cake is it!

Looking for more citrusy treats? I’ve always been a fan of lemon desserts, but if you’re looking to switch things up, try my Lemon Cranberry Bundt Cake with Sugared Cranberries for a tart twist or my Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a warm, spiced alternative. These bundt cakes are perfect for special occasions, just like my Italian Easter Bread, which makes a beautiful centerpiece for spring celebrations. Try my Lemon Cranberry Bundt Cake with Sugared Cranberries or my Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Filling for more bright, refreshing flavors!

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Why I Love This Recipe

• Bright & Refreshing – The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Moist & Buttery – Thanks to sour cream and a rich cake syrup that keeps it extra soft.
• Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for Easter, birthdays, or afternoon tea.
• Beautiful & Simple – A stunning dessert with minimal decorating required.

Equipment I Use & Why It’s Important

Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking a Bundt cake. These tools help ensure the cake turns out soft, moist, and evenly baked with a beautiful finish.

• Bundt Cake Pan – A nonstick Bundt pan ensures the cake releases easily while creating that signature shape. The ridges also allow the glaze to settle beautifully. A well-coated pan helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the cake intact.
• Cooling Rack – Proper cooling prevents condensation from forming on the bottom, which could make the cake soggy. Elevating the cake also helps it set before adding the glaze.
• Hand Mixer – Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial for a tender cake. A hand mixer makes this process faster and ensures an even texture.
• Glass Mixing Bowls – Glass bowls retain heat slightly, which helps soften butter while mixing. They’re also great for ensuring that ingredients are evenly incorporated, making the batter smooth and lump-free.
• Blending Whisk – Whisks are essential for incorporating air into the eggs and dry ingredients. This results in a fluffier, more delicate cake texture.
• Squeeze Bottle – The cake syrup adds moisture to the cake without making it soggy. Using a squeeze bottle ensures the syrup is evenly distributed so that every bite is infused with lemon flavor.
• Zester – A fine zester extracts the outermost layer of the lemon peel, which contains the most flavor and natural oils. This enhances the lemon taste without the bitterness of the white pith.

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Ingredients & Healthier Alternatives

Want to make this Lemon Bundt Cake a little healthier? Here are some simple swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor or texture.

For the Cake

• 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. (Swap for whole wheat flour or almond flour for extra fiber and nutrients.)
• ½ tsp Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ tsp Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise perfectly.
• 6 Eggs – Adds richness and structure.
• 2 tbsp Lemon Zest (from 2 lemons) – Intensifies the fresh lemon flavor.
• 1 ½ tbsp Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the cake.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract – Balances the tart lemon.
• 1 Cup Sour Cream – Adds moisture and richness. (Use Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich option.)
• 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature) – Gives the cake a rich texture. (Swap for coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce to reduce saturated fat.)
• 2 ¼ Cups Sugar – Sweetens the cake. (Use coconut sugar or reduce by ¼ cup for a slightly less sweet version.)

For the Bundt Cake Pan Coating

• 2 tbsp Vegetable Shortening – Ensures easy cake release.
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour – Prevents sticking.

For the Cake Syrup

• ¼ Cup Sugar (for Cake Syrup) – Adds moisture and shine. (Use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.)
• ¼ Cup Water – The base for the syrup.
• 1 ½ tbsp Lemon Juice – Infuses the syrup with bright citrus flavor.

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar (for Glaze) – Adds sweetness and texture. (Use powdered monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar alternative.)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice – Creates a tangy, sweet drizzle.

For Garnish

• Lemon Zest (from 1 Lemon) – Adds a final touch of citrus aroma.

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How much lemon juice is in one lemon?

One medium-sized lemon typically yields about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice.

• 1 lemon = 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 lemon = 2-3 tbsp lemon juice

If you’re looking for a lemon extract alternative, you can use:

• 1 tsp of lemon extract = 2 tsp of lemon zest

For a step-by-step guide on how to extract lemon juice and zest, check out my video tutorial How to Get Perfect Lemon Zest

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How to Grease a Pan

How I Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a glass mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until light and pale.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon zest, and sour cream.
4. In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add ⅓ of the egg mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with ⅓ of the dry ingredients, mixing between each addition until fully combined.

Step 2: Coat the Bundt Pan & Bake

1. Grease the Bundt cake pan with vegetable shortening.
2. Sprinkle flour over the pan and shake off the excess.
3. Pour the cake batter evenly into the pan.
4. Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Cake Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let cool, then pour into a squeeze bottle.
4. Slowly drizzle the syrup over the cooled Bundt cake.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze & Garnish

1. In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
3. Zest a fresh lemon and sprinkle over the top for a decorative finish.

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Storing Your Bundt Cake: Ensuring Freshness and Flavor

Whether you’re enjoying leftovers or preparing your cake in advance, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

1. At Room Temperature:
   For short-term storage (up to three days), keep the cake under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap on the counter. Your Bundt cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This method is perfect for cakes that will be eaten in a short period.
2. Refrigerate for Longevity:
   Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container if you need to keep it fresh for up to five days. It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavor.
3. Freeze for Future Enjoyment:
   Freezing is ideal for extended storage. Wrap your Bundt cake securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze. Before freezing, mark the packaging with a Sharpie to note the date. Your cake will remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to reach room temperature before enjoying. This method is ideal for planning ahead or keeping leftovers tasting as good as new.

By following these detailed serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Bundt cake at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or saved for later. Proper storage ensures every bite remains moist, flavorful, and just as satisfying as when it first came out of the oven.

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Additional Tips for the Best Lemon Bundt Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything mix smoothly and creates a lighter, more even texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy. Mix until just combined.
• Grease the Bundt Pan Well – Be thorough when greasing the pan to ensure easy release. Use a pastry brush to get into all the crevices.
• Check for Doneness – Every oven is different, so start checking around the 60-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Let the Cake Cool Before Removing – Wait 10-15 minutes before turning it out of the pan to prevent breaking.
• Enhance the Flavor – For an even more intense lemon flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
• Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer a more tart cake, reduce the sugar slightly and increase the lemon juice in the glaze.

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Storing Your Bundt Cake: Ensuring Freshness and Flavor

Whether you’re enjoying leftovers or preparing your cake in advance, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

1. At Room Temperature:
   For short-term storage (up to three days), keep the cake under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap on the counter. Your Bundt cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This method is perfect for cakes that will be eaten in a short period.
2. Refrigerate for Longevity:
   Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container if you need to keep it fresh for up to five days. It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavor.
3. Freeze for Future Enjoyment:
   Freezing is ideal for extended storage. Wrap your Bundt cake securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze. Before freezing, mark the packaging with a Sharpie to note the date. Your cake will remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to reach room temperature before enjoying. This method is ideal for planning ahead or keeping leftovers tasting as good as new.

By following these detailed serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Bundt cake at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or saved for later. Proper storage ensures every bite remains moist, flavorful, and just as satisfying as when it first came out of the oven.

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Bundt Cakes

More Delicious Bundt Cake & Citrus Recipes

• Lemon Cranberry Bundt Cake with Sugared Cranberries – A festive twist on lemon cake.
• Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A classic favorite with a creamy topping.
• Italian Easter Bread – A soft, sweet bread perfect for spring celebrations.
• Buttercream Frosting – A smooth, creamy frosting option for bundt cakes and cupcakes.
• White Chocolate Ganache – Perfect for drizzling over cakes like this one.
• Easter Sugar Cookies – Another great Easter dessert idea!
• Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Chocolate Hearts – A rich and decadent option for special occasions.
• Homemade Whipped Cream – A perfect light topping for this cake.
• French Toast – A great way to use leftover cake for a luxurious breakfast treat.
• Oven Baked Bacon – Because a slice of lemon cake pairs perfectly with a savory side for brunch!

If you love this lemony dessert, try these recipes next! They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or as a stunning dessert for any gathering:

• Lemon Cranberry Bundt Cake with Sugared Cranberries – A festive twist on lemon cake.
• Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A classic favorite with a creamy topping.
• White Chocolate Ganache – Perfect for drizzling over cakes like this one.
• Buttercream Frosting – A smooth, creamy frosting option for bundt cakes and cupcakes.
• Easter Sugar Cookies – Another great Easter dessert idea!

This Lemon Bundt Cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for Easter, a birthday, or just a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your dessert table. I love making this cake ahead of time and having a slice with a cup of tea—it’s the perfect way to brighten up any day!

Enjoy and happy baking! 🍋🍰

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