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Bright and Moist Lemon Cake Recipe | Calories, Best Time to Eat, and Energy-Saving Tips

🍋 How Many Calories Are in Lemon Cake? When Should You Eat It?

A typical serving of homemade lemon cake (about 1/10 of a 9x9-inch cake) contains approximately 280–320 calories, depending on whether you use glaze or buttercream frosting. Due to its sugar content and quick-release carbohydrates, this dessert is best enjoyed after lunch or as an afternoon snack. It provides a delightful energy boost without being overly heavy—ideal when you’re craving something sweet but not overly indulgent.

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🍰 The Best Zesty Lemon Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Try

This lemon cake is a fresh, flavorful dessert packed with natural citrus zest and juice. Its light, fluffy texture combined with the vibrant taste of lemon makes it a standout dish for spring brunches, summer picnics, or just a refreshing treat at home. Whether you're a beginner baker or a dessert aficionado, this recipe is simple yet guaranteed to impress.

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📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or substitute with oil for a more moist cake)

• ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• Zest of 2 lemons (approx. 2 tbsp)

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, adds more zing)

Optional Buttercream Frosting:

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This aerates the mixture and helps create a lighter crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Lemon Flavor

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon zest and juice. Your batter will begin to smell wonderfully citrusy!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry mixture. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze or Frost

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle it with the lemon glaze or spread lemon buttercream on top. For extra lemony flavor, sprinkle a little more zest over the top before serving.

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⚠️ Health Notes: Who Should or Shouldn’t Eat This Cake?

✅ Great for:

• People who enjoy light, citrusy desserts

• Those looking for a refreshing alternative to chocolate or rich cakes

• Kids and adults alike who need a quick energy boost

❌ Not ideal for:

• People with diabetes (due to sugar content)

• Individuals sensitive to acidic foods or with citrus allergies

• Those following low-carb or ketogenic diets

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💡 Energy-Saving Tip: What Appliance Should You Use to Bake This Cake?

To reduce your energy consumption, use a countertop convection oven or an air fryer oven (with baking capabilities) instead of a large traditional oven. These devices heat up faster, cook more evenly, and can cut your baking time and electricity usage significantly—ideal for small batches like this lemon cake.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

This lemon cake recipe is a sunshine-filled treat that's easy to make and always satisfies. Whether topped with a tangy glaze or creamy lemon buttercream, it’s a crowd-pleaser for every occasion. With a moderate calorie count and versatile serving options, it's a dessert you can enjoy guilt-free—especially if you bake it smartly!

Would you like a printable recipe card or a visual diagram of the steps?