Lemon Coffee Cake with Icing

Name: Lemon Coffee Cake with Icing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup milk (whole); Zest of 1 lemon; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for icing); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: September 26, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Coffee Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with coffee or tea
Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—this cake adapts to every occasion

I remember one time when my friend attempted to bake this delightful cake for her mom’s birthday. Let’s just say she had more flour on her face than in the bowl! But in the end, her mother’s delighted smile made every messy moment completely worth it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; ensure it’s fresh for optimal texture and rise.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using some brown sugar for extra moisture. sweet brown butter maple popcorn.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for a perfectly risen cake.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances other flavors beautifully.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Milk: Any milk will do; whole milk gives richer flavor and moisture.
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest adds vibrant flavor; don’t skip this key ingredient!
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed juice brightens up the cake; bottled won’t do!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of flavor while ensuring it’s softened before mixing.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the icing; sift it beforehand for smoothness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances overall flavor; pure vanilla is best.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal later.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients.

Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale yellow and airy.

Add eggs and lemon: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by lemon zest and juice. The batter will smell heavenly; take a moment to enjoy that citrus aroma!

Combine wet and dry: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet batter while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Pour and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—the smell will be irresistible!

Cool down: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!

Make icing: Whisk together powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake once set on the wire rack.

Serve up: Slice yourself a generous piece of this Lemon Coffee Cake with Icing—enjoy each bite alongside your favorite hot beverage! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread recipe.

This delightful journey through flavors will surely leave you craving more! Happy baking!

You Must Know

This delightful lemon coffee cake with icing is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy
The aroma of fresh lemon fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
This cake is moist, fluffy, and simply irresistible with that zesty icing on top

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mix the batter. Prepare the cake pan before blending ingredients for a seamless workflow and perfectly baked lemon coffee cake.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version. You can also add poppy seeds for extra texture or even blueberries for a fruity twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it, and reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve that perfect texture, use room temperature ingredients
Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise
Don’t skip the icing; it’s the cherry on top!

The first time I made lemon coffee cake, my friend devoured half of it before I could even slice it! Their laughter and compliments were all the encouragement I needed to bake more often.

FAQ

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Absolutely! Oranges or limes can give your cake a unique flavor twist.

How do I make my icing thicker?

Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired thickness for the icing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance; just store it properly to maintain freshness.

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📖 Recipe Card