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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups  all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon  baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon  salt
  • 1 cup  granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons  fresh lemon zest
  • ½ cup  unsalted butter, softened
  • cup  vegetable oil
  • 3 large  eggs
  • ¾ cup  buttermilk
  • ¼ cup  fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons  vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup  powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons   fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon  lemon zest (optional for stronger flavor)

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9-inch round or 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. 
  4. Add the softened butter to the lemon sugar and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the oil and continue beating until everything comes together
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
  6. Add the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the buttermilk.
  7. Gently fold everything together just until combined.
  8. Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 40–50 minutes if using a loaf pan or 28–35 minutes for a round pan.
  9. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
  10. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
  11. Drizzle over the warm cake so it soaks in slightly but still sets beautifully on top.

Notes

Tips for Success

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter or eggs can make the batter split or bake unevenly.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest
It’s the core of the cake’s flavor.
Buttermilk Makes It Moist
If you don’t have it, use milk with lemon juice — but, if possible, use real buttermilk.
Let It Cool Before Slicing
Warm lemon cake tends to crumble; cooling helps the texture set.
Store Properly
Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.