Lemon Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

This delightful Lemon Cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, featuring a moist texture and a vibrant lemon flavor. Topped with a crunchy layer of pecans and coconut, it's an ideal treat for gatherings or a cozy afternoon. Perfect for lemon lovers and anyone looking for a refreshing dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. melted margarine
  • 1/2 c. chopped pecans
  • 1/2 c. coconut
  • 1 lemon cake mix
  • 1 (8 oz.) sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon, grated
  • 1 tsp. lemon extract
  • 1 c. sifted powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine, pecans, and coconut.
  2. Put the mixture in the bottom of a greased and floured Bundt pan.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, sour cream, eggs, water, oil, grated lemon, and lemon extract. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding more grated lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the batter. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. For a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

Serving Suggestions

This luscious lemon cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a refreshing balance. It also makes an excellent dessert after a hearty meal or can be enjoyed with a cup of tea. For a delightful twist, serve it with Candy Strawberries.

Storage & Reheating

Once the cake has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Cake contains roughly 363 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).

363 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 17.9g 23% DV
Carbs 51.3g 19% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 24.1g 48% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 98mg 4% DV
Potassium 223.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 16.6mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 44.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

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 a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for lemon cake, you can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the cake’s overall taste, so adjust the lemon extract and zest accordingly to maintain a citrusy hint.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your lemon cake turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To remedy this, you can brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. This will add moisture and enhance the sweetness.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this lemon cake freezes well! To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and it will taste just as fresh.

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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