Lemon Sugar Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist lemon sugar cake with bright citrus flavor, perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea, combining tangy lemon with sweet cake and glaze topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 (3 oz.) box lemon jello
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup Mazola or Crisco oil
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients, except the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 12-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
  4. Cool the cake for 20 minutes, then prick the top all over with a fork.
  5. Thoroughly mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar, then spoon all over the top of the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, separate the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter. You can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding the zest of one lemon to the batter. This cake is simple yet elegant, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside Creamy Swiss Green Beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Sugar Cake as a delightful dessert after dinner or as a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For added flair, garnish with lemon slices or whipped cream. This cake also works well at picnics or family gatherings, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Sugar Cake contains roughly 238 calories, with 2g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.

238 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 9.9g 13% DV
Carbs 36.7g 13% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 14.9g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 108.5mg 5% DV
Potassium 106.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 38.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 55.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 jello in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavored jello mixes to create variations of this cake. Strawberry or raspberry jello can add a fruity twist, although the lemon flavor will be less pronounced. Just be mindful that the overall texture and sweetness may vary slightly depending on the flavor chosen.

What can I do if I don't have a 9 x 12-inch pan?

If you don’t have a 9 x 12-inch pan, you can use two 9-inch round pans instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as round cakes will typically bake faster. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Alternatively, a 9 x 13-inch pan works well too for a slightly thicker cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this Lemon Sugar Cake gluten-free, simply replace the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the jello, are gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will remain deliciously intact.

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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