This Moist Lemon Bundt Cake is bright, zesty, and delightfully fluffy—perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a refreshing finish to any meal. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this crowd-pleaser is light yet rich, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s simple to make and sure to become a go-to dessert for lemon lovers.
Lemon Bundt Cake is a classic dessert made in a ring-shaped bundt pan, known for its soft texture and vibrant lemony flavor. The recipe combines the richness of a sponge with the lightness of whipped egg whites, resulting in a cake that's both fluffy and decadent. Bundt cakes originated in Europe and became especially popular in American kitchens during the 1950s and ’60s, thanks to their visually appealing shape and ease of slicing. This lemon variation is particularly loved for its refreshing taste and timeless charm.
Fresh is best! Bottled juice lacks the bright flavor and aroma you get from freshly squeezed lemons.
Make sure to grease every nook of the pan and dust it with flour—or use a baking spray with flour included.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
A standard 10–12 cup bundt pan works best for this recipe.
To freeze, wrap the entire cooled cake (or slices) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for several hours. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Let the cake cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best flavor, bring it to room temperature before serving.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, lemon zest, and sugar.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, lemon zest, and sugar.
Beat with a hand mixer for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the lemon juice, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Beat with a hand mixer for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the lemon juice, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, stirring until just combined.
Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, stirring until just combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar and serve.