Jiffy Lemon Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 28 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A quick, airy lemon cake with bright citrus and a hint of pineapple, spiced with salt—perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert today.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter or shortening
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/4 cup sweet milk
  • 2 Tbsp sweet milk
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp lemon flavor
  • 1/2 tsp pineapple flavor

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter and sugar.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly.
  3. Add lemon and pineapple flavors and stir in dry ingredients and milk.
  4. Grease and flour cake pans.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier cake, make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and airy. If you don't have sweet milk, you can use buttermilk or mix regular milk with a bit of sugar. For an extra zing, consider adding lemon zest along with the flavoring. If you want to elevate the dessert, serve it with a drizzle of Heavenly Hot Chocolate Sauce for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple lemon glaze. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a richer experience. It pairs beautifully with Bethany's Best Brownies for a dessert platter that impresses guests at any gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Jiffy Lemon Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, where it will last for about a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jiffy Lemon Cake contains roughly 107 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1174mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

107 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 1% DV
Carbs 22g 8% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 6.2g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1173.9mg 51% DV
Potassium 280.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 13.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4mcg
Vitamin C 17.3mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 270.4mg 21% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that margarine may alter the flavor slightly, so choose a high-quality brand for the best results. The texture should remain similar, allowing you to enjoy a delicious cake regardless of your choice.

What can I use if I don't have lemon flavor?

If you don't have lemon flavoring, you can replace it with an equal amount of fresh lemon juice and zest. This will impart a natural citrus flavor to the cake. Alternatively, you could use orange flavor for a different twist, though it will change the overall taste profile of the cake.

How can I make this cake more visually appealing?

To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a lemon glaze on top or garnishing with fresh berries and mint leaves. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a nice touch. Additionally, serving the cake on a beautiful platter can elevate its presentation for special occasions.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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