Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake

Lemon desserts have a way of brightening up any day with their refreshing and tangy sweetness. If you’re a fan of citrus and crave a cake that’s bursting with lemon flavor, this Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake is the one for you. With its soft, moist crumb and irresistible lemon glaze, this cake delivers a bold punch of lemon in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a weekend treat, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors.

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In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make this cake from start to finish, including tips for the perfect texture, the tangiest glaze, and a few variations to take it to the next level. Let’s dive into this citrusy creation and discover why it’s called “Extreme” Lemon Bundt Cake!

Why This Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake Will Be Your New Favorite 🍰

There’s something magical about Bundt cakes dense, flavorful, and perfectly formed with that iconic ring shape. What makes this Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake stand out is its rich, moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor that permeates both the cake itself and the zesty lemon glaze drizzled on top. It’s a celebration of everything lemon: fresh lemon juice, zest, and the tangy burst that makes every bite unforgettable.

1. Intense Lemon Flavor
   From the zest of multiple lemons in both the cake and glaze, to the fresh lemon juice in every layer, this cake is extreme in its citrusy goodness. It’s for lemon lovers who can’t get enough of that tangy kick.
2. Moist, Tender Crumb
   The combination of butter, sour cream, and eggs results in a moist, rich texture that contrasts perfectly with the lightness of the glaze. Every slice is a delightful mix of soft and dense, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
3. Perfect for Every Occasion
   Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just a casual afternoon tea, this cake works beautifully. It’s sophisticated enough to serve as a showstopper for a dinner party but easy enough to whip up as a comforting weekend dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake 🛒

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
  This forms the structure of your cake, giving it the perfect texture to hold up to the glaze without being too heavy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  Provides lift to the cake, helping it rise evenly while keeping the crumb soft.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  Balances out the acidity of the lemon juice and helps the cake rise properly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Enhances the flavors in the cake and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  Adds richness and moisture to the cake, creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  Provides sweetness and helps give the cake its moist, light texture.
• 4 large eggs
  Eggs are essential for structure and moisture, binding all the ingredients together.
• 1 cup sour cream
  Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  Fresh lemon juice is a must for that zesty, citrusy flavor that shines in every bite.
• Zest of 2 lemons
  The zest brings out the intense lemony fragrance and flavor, making the cake even more aromatic and flavorful.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the lemon without overpowering it.

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  Powdered sugar helps create a smooth, thick glaze that will coat the cake beautifully.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  Fresh lemon juice in the glaze adds that sharp, tangy kick that ties everything together.
• Zest of 1 lemon
  Lemon zest in the glaze enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the glaze an extra layer of citrus flavor.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Thin lemon slices
  These add an extra pop of color and a touch of elegance to the cake.
• Fresh mint leaves
  Mint leaves offer a refreshing contrast to the tangy lemon and add a lovely green touch for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake 🍰

Making this cake is simpler than it looks, and the results are totally worth it. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Bundt Pan 🔥

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly.

While your oven is heating up, grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Make sure you coat every crevice so the cake will come out smoothly without sticking to the pan. If you prefer, you can use a non-stick spray specifically designed for baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients 🥄

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside for now. These dry ingredients are essential for creating a light, fluffy cake.

Step 3: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar 🧈🍚

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a stand mixer to cream together the 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its soft texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla 🍋🍦

Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and helps prevent the batter from separating.

Next, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and zest of 2 lemons. The zest will provide an aromatic citrus fragrance that fills the room as the cake bakes.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients, Sour Cream, and Lemon Juice 🍋🧴

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This prevents the batter from becoming too heavy and ensures it’s evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until combined.

Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Bundt Pan and Bake 🕒

Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to even it out. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool the Cake 🧁

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up a bit, making it easier to remove from the pan.

After the initial cooling time, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet or parchment paper. Gently remove the Bundt pan and let the cake cool completely before glazing.

Step 8: Prepare the Lemon Glaze 🍯

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and zest of 1 lemon in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze 🍴

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the prepared lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake. The glaze will create a glossy, sweet-tart coating that enhances the cake’s flavor. Be generous, as the glaze is a key element of this lemon-packed cake!

Step 10: Garnish (Optional) 🌿🍋

For a touch of elegance, you can garnish your cake with thin lemon slices and a few fresh mint leaves. This adds a pop of color and a refreshing finish to the dessert.

Tips for Perfecting Your Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake 🍰

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps the ingredients mix together more easily, creating a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
• Keep the Cake Moist: If you notice that your cake is a bit dry, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze or the batter to enhance the moisture.
• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for both juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same bright, tangy taste.

There you have it: your very own Extreme Lemon Bundt Cake that’s bursting with citrusy flavor from start to finish. With its moist, tender crumb and tangy glaze, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a party, making it for a special occasion, or simply enjoying it with a cup of tea, you’re in for a treat that’s as sweet as it is sour, and utterly irresistible. Happy baking! 🍋