Sticky Lemon Cake
Learn how to make lemon cake from scratch with this easy recipe.
Updated October 05, 2018 
Editor's Note: While the instructions call for an 8-inch round cake pan, you may find that an 8x3 pan works better for the amount of batter in this cake. Light and refreshing, the Sticky Lemon Cake will be the perfect dessert to serve on a hot summer's day. What you'll love even more about this recipe is that it includes many ingredients that you may already have on hand in the kitchen. When it comes to cake recipes, it doesn't get much easier than this one! Plus, this cake uses the classic technique of moistening the cake with simple syrup! It's a quick and easy way to make your desserts even richer. In addition, some readers have used Greek yogurt in this recipe to great success.
The combination of fresh lemon juice and yogurt gives this cake a wonderfully fresh taste and moist texture.
Makes8 servings
Preparation Time15 min
Cooking Time40 min
Cooking MethodBaking
CostInexpensive
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party
Recipe CourseDessert
Taste and TextureFruity, Nutty, Sweet, Tart
Type of DishCake, Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/3 cup almond flour (almond meal)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 8 inch (20cm) round cake pan (see note above)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter an 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan, and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
-
Grate the zest and squeeze the juice from the lemons; you should have 6 tbsp juice. Cream together the butter and ¾ cup sugar, and the zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
-
Whisk the flours and the baking powder together to eliminate any lumps. Stir into the butter mixture, followed by the yogurt and 2 tbsp of the lemon juice.
-
Spread in the pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center springs back when pressed.
-
Meanwhile, stir the remaining ½ cup sugar and 4 tbsp lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat to dissolve the sugar. Cool.
-
Transfer the cake to a wire rack. Pierce the cake all over with a skewer and drizzle the syrup on top. Cool for 30 minutes. Invert onto the rack, remove the pan, peel off the paper, and cool completely.
If you're looking for even dessert recipes that are easy to make, then you're in the right spot! This collection of easy dessert recipes includes cupcakes, the classic red velvet cake, brownies, pastries, and so much more. You'll love whipping up the delicious dessert recipes found in these
2008 Dorling Kindersley
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GaKaye
Mar 18, 2017
After reading the comments, I baked this in a 9-inch square pan, in my convection oven at 325. After 30 minutes I felt like it needed more time, so I gave it five more minutes. Other than that, and using Greek yogurt, I followed the recipe exactly. It came out exactly as I expected, and I will definitely make it again. I don't understand people making multiple substitutions and then rating the recipe badly! Perhaps your substitutions are what made it not work out well.
MLMTX
Feb 18, 2017
I love anything lemon!! I love anything that has the word sticky in the recipe title. I made this but I did read the helpful comments below. I used a larger round cake pan. I also have never used almond flour so I stuck with what I know how to use. I used all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. I did use Greek yogurt too. All in all, my family liked it. I would not had said it was easy. It seemed a bit more work to me. But, I am a Mom-Chef not a trained chef. It did take longer to cook. Wondering if others have used different flour? Results? Thanks for an interesting recipe!
mbelle
Feb 12, 2017
I followed this recipe, it fit well in the 8 inch round pan. I even cooked longer and it still after 50 minutes was not set in the middle. I was excited to make it but, what a waste of time and money.
mbelle
Feb 12, 2017
Does anyone at you website try these recipes? I followed everything according to the recipe and time to cook and pan. After 50 minutes. was still not done. I was excited about the cake but, what a waste of time.
JRROSE
Feb 04, 2017
This cake is ok,not great--my husband said "good, but you've made better." I love lemon cakes and if I did make this again, I would absolutely use greek yogurt instead of regular, and there is no way this cake cooks in 30 minutes--it either needs close to an hour OR it needs to be baked at 350, not 325.
Cookstr
Feb 06, 2017
Hi there! Thanks so much for the feedback - Greek yogurt would probably be delicious. Thanks for reading!
themare27
Jan 27, 2017
I made this cake last night after dreaming about eating it for weeks! I used a 9 inch cake pan and baked it for 35 minutes. It was perfect!
Jimmy C
Jan 16, 2017
I substituted Jowar flour for the Almond Flour and the recipe turned out ok but not great. I don't think it was because of the flour substitution though. I am wondering why the recipe called for almond flour in the first place. Are you trying to reduce the gluten? I had to cook the recipe for 40 minutes as well and then it was done to my satisfaction. I also added a sugar glaze on top of the cake and overall I think it turned out okay. I am going to remake this recipe and just use regular all purpose flour.
raspberry53gardene r 4040414
Jan 05, 2017
Why doesn't someone update this Recipe? Without reading comments you need to use something like s springform pan. Thanks for the mess!!!!! Imagine it would Be tasty without batter spilled all over oven bottom
Cookstr
Jan 06, 2017
Hi there! Thank you for the feedback - we've updated the recipe with a note that includes a better-sized pan for this cake. Hope that helps!
fujimoments 248948 7
Nov 22, 2016
Spilled all over the oven. Too much batter for an 8" round pan. Not happy with the mess I have to clean up.
Cookstr
Jan 06, 2017
Hi there! Thank you for the feedback - we've updated the recipe with a note that mentions a better-sized pan for this cake. Hope that helps!
ladyallie99
Oct 27, 2016
Just made this cake. Was so worried when at 30 minutes it was still so wobbly. Came here and found the other comments. It did take 50 minutes for it to get done at 325. My pan was 8x2" and it was a little full, but didn't go over, even after baking. Very excited to get this eaten.
Cookstr
Nov 11, 2016
Hi Allie! Thank you for the feedback - we hope you enjoy your cake!
Sweetbites 3809267
Feb 07, 2011
The cake is delicious, but yes, the previous comment is correct, you need to use a 8x3 pan or there will be to much batter. The cake also shrinks a lot after you take out of the oven. The cooking time for mine was more than 30 minutes, it was actually ready at the 45-50 minute mark.
lbr3 8321159
Nov 13, 2009
I made this cake yesterday...I should say tried to make this cake...If you follow the directions there is way too much batter for a 8 in round pan.
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