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lemon cake mix recipes

Lemon Cake Mix Recipes

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 35 minutes
Total 50 minutes
With bright lemon flavor and box mix ease! So simple, so sweet. Quick lemon treats ready in no time!
4 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For Basic Lemon Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For Lemon Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, lightly grease and flour your baking pan. For best results, use a light-colored metal pan rather than glass or dark metal, as these can affect baking time and temperature. A 9x13 rectangular pan works wonderfully for sheet cake, or two 8-inch round pans for a layered creation.
    Step 2: Mix the Batter
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine ingredients without creating air bubbles. Then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened.
    Pro Tip: For extra fluffiness, separate your eggs and beat the whites to soft peaks before folding them into the batter.
    Step 3: Add Fresh Lemon Flavor
    Gently fold in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. The acid in the juice will react with the cake mix to create an even more tender crumb, while the zest provides intense natural flavor. Use a silicone spatula to incorporate these ingredients without deflating the batter.
    Step 4: Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), spreading evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
    Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
    While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a medium bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it's too thick, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
    Step 6: Finish and Glaze
    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack if making a layered cake, or leave in the pan for a sheet cake. While the cake is still slightly warm (not hot), pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a layered cake or spread evenly across a sheet cake.
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