Refreshingly Zesty and Light Lemon Cake

Do you want to learn how to make a lemon cake? One that has less fat and sugar but still a ton of flavor? If you enjoy tart lemons, this is the recipe for you to try. It is fast to make, bakes within the hour and can be on the table by the time you are finished with dinner. It is a refreshing way to end any meal or makes a great afternoon snack.

Since I started learning the basics behind cooking, I wanted to see if it was possible to make cake with less calories and fat but still taste good. Since lemons are fast becoming a favorite, I decided to try and make a lemon cake recipe. Instead of butter, oil was used. When being mindful of health, plant based fats are often much better for you than animal fats. Multiple studies show choosing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help improve your cholesterol! I do believe butter can add an amazing flavor to a ton of food. But in this instance, it wasn’t necessary. The oil helps keep the cake light, moist and fluffy.

Also, I figured in making my own recipe, I would either love it or hate it. At worst, it would be a disaster. At best, I’d have a cloud of lemony happiness. Today, my friends, thankfully we relished the zing of lemon and sugar. It was so good we ate the entire cake within a few days. Kind of defeated the purpose of being light in calories somewhat. Zesty and Light Lemon Cake was the name I came up with after some deliberation. What would you call it? In the meantime, if you love citrus, try out this orange lovers cake next.

Zesty Lemon Cake

A lemony cake that packs a punch. Reminds you of a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. Simple to make and bake. Perfect for a last minute dessert.
Print Recipe
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings12 people
Calories 248.2

Ingredients

  • 1 â…“ cups (200g) flour
  • 4 large (200g) eggs
  • ¾ cup (180mL) oil
  • ¾ cup (150g) white sugar
  • 1 large (84g) lemon
  • 1 ½ tsp (6g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (5mL) lemon extract
  • ½ tsp (2g) salt

Icing

  • 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbs (15-30mL) lemon juice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F (180C.)
  • Grease and flour a 9×5 loaf tin (23x13cm) or line with parchment paper.
  • Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Zest and juice the lemon.
  • In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, lemon juice and the extract. Whisk together, about 30 seconds.
  • Add in the sugar and whisk until it starts to dissolve, about 1 minute.
  • Add dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  • Pour into pan and bake 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Center should read between 200F (93C) and 210F (99C.)
  • Cool completely before serving.

Icing

  • In a small bowl, sift powdered sugar. Stir in juice one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • With a spoon, drizzle over top of cooled cake and allow it to drip over the edges. For easier cleanup, do this on the wire cooling rack sitting on top of a piece of parchment, paper towel or a tray. Allow icing to dry several minutes before cutting.

Notes

If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt.
You may substitute the lemons for bottled lemon juice in equal amounts.

Nutrition Facts
Zesty Lemon Cake
Serving Size
 
1 slice
Amount per Serving
Calories
248.2
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15.7
g
24
%
Saturated Fat
 
1.5
g
9
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Sodium
 
295.9
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
21.2
g
7
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Protein
 
3.4
g
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.

You May Also Like:

Easy to Make Powdered Sugar Icing

Powdered sugar icing is also known as buttercream, frosting or American buttercream. Whatever the name, it's the perfect addition to any cake. It's also simple to remember how to make. It's not only easy to make, you can freeze it and make large batches for several...

Ben’s Bread Pudding Baked to Perfection

Before today, I never tried to make bread pudding but have seen my grandmother make it and have had a lot of experience baking custard pies. But here I am trying this to bake this recipe for a friend of my husband's with word sent that I make no promises. Surely it...

Walnut Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Learn how to make scrumptious walnut cinnamon sugar cookies today! My husband is of Middle Eastern decent and loves many of the desserts from that region. I've also been exposed to a lot of food that I likely would have never tried since meeting him. Such enticing...

More Ways to Connect!

Do you want to share your results?  Do you have more questions on this recipe?  Did you find an error?  We want to help and we appreciate yours.  Please contact us.  We love hearing from you!

Follow Us:

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Do you have questions about our recipes, want to brag about your accomplishments, complain, compliment, send stories of your furry pets, or found an error in our typing?  We want to hear from you!  Please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we finish baking our latest creation.  Or sleeping.

Comments:

0 Comments
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Pin It on Pinterest