I’m always on the lookout for recipes that blend bold flavors with comforting textures, and this Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe does just that.
The bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon perfectly complement the soft, buttery crumb of the cake, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a weekend brunch, this cake adds a refreshing twist to the classic coffee cake.
The addition of a sweet, tangy lemon glaze takes it to another level, making each bite a burst of sunshine.
Simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, this Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves to bake.
How To Prepare Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
5. Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
6. Make the Lemon Glaze
While the cake cools on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Special Note
1. This Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe delivers a refreshing burst of citrus that adds a touch of brightness to any day.
With its tender crumb and sweet, tangy glaze, it’s a versatile treat that’s ideal for everything from a relaxed breakfast to a celebratory occasion.
2. The refreshing lemon zest in this coffee cake not only adds flavor but also makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a brunch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee.
What Makes Coffee Cake Different From Cake?
Coffee cake differs from regular cake in a few key ways. Traditionally, coffee cake is a sweet, dense, and crumbly treat meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee.
It’s often topped with a streusel or crumb topping, adding texture and extra flavor. Unlike regular cakes, which are typically frosted, coffee cakes usually skip the frosting, focusing on rich, buttery flavors instead.
While regular cakes are often served as desserts, coffee cakes are more commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack option.
How Do You Increase The Flavor Of Coffee In A Cake?
To boost the coffee flavor in a cake, start by using strong brewed coffee or espresso instead of water or milk in your batter.
You can also add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules directly into the dry ingredients for an extra kick. Incorporating coffee liqueur or coffee extract into the mix can further intensify the taste.
Lastly, pairing the cake with a coffee-infused frosting or glaze will elevate the coffee experience to a new level.
Conclusion
This Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary in the kitchen.
As a baker, I find joy in crafting recipes that bring comfort and delight, and this cake does just that. The vibrant lemon flavor paired with a tender, buttery crumb makes it perfect for any occasion, from a quiet morning treat to a special gathering.
With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
If you’re looking to impress or simply enjoy a slice of homemade goodness, this Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe won’t disappoint.
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How to Make Lemon Cake Jello Recipe
Delicious Lemon Cake With Strawberries Recipe
Olive Garden Lemon Cake Recipe – Homemade Treat
Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Make the Lemon Glaze
- While the cake cools on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Serve
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.