I’m always on the lookout for recipes that blend bold flavors with comforting textures, and this Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe does just that.
Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute delight, combining zesty citrus with the richness of a moist, buttery cake. This recipe is truly the elite of taste, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
I made Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe for my family and friends, who appreciate homemade treats with a twist. The process was a joy whisking fresh lemon zest into the batter, watching it turn golden in the oven, and preparing a sweet glaze while the aroma filled my kitchen.
As we waited, we enjoyed coffee and laughter, creating a warm, memorable experience. Sharing this delicious Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe with loved ones made the effort even more rewarding and special.
Why We Love This Recipe
I love this Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a soft, buttery texture that melts in every bite.
The fresh lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor, while the crumbly topping gives it a delicious crunch. It’s the kind of cake that makes mornings special and pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee.
What I love most is sharing it with family and friends it brings everyone together in the kitchen, filling the air with laughter and the irresistible aroma of homemade goodness.
It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, joyful experience every time I make Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe!
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.
Storage And Shelf Life
To keep your Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
To enjoy it warm, a quick 10-second microwave refreshes its soft texture. Proper storage keeps the Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe delicious, making Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe perfect for enjoying later without losing its irresistible taste and freshness!
Conclusion
This Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe is a true delight, bringing together bright citrus flavors and a soft, buttery texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
You enjoy Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.
The joy of making it, the warmth it brings to the kitchen, and the smiles it creates make it truly special.
I hope you will give Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe a try and experience the same happiness I do every time I bake it. Let me know how it turns out I’m sure you’ll love every bite as much as I do!
More Delicious Lemon Cake Recipes
Moist Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe
How to Make Lemon Cake Pops Recipe
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.