Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sunshine Cake is a delightful cake that combines the zing of fresh lemon with a moist, tender crumb. The cake is incredibly light, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect dessert for spring and summer. The cake is topped with a zesty lemon glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor and shine, making it irresistibly fresh and vibrant. This cake is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event. If you love citrus desserts, this cake will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Lemon Glaze: While the cake cools, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. You can spread it gently with a spatula if you prefer an even layer of glaze.
Serve: Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

Variations

Add Blueberries: For a burst of color and added flavor, fold in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking.
Lemon and Lime: Add a twist by using lime juice and zest alongside lemon for a refreshing citrus combination.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter and substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk to make the cake dairy-free.
Topping Variations: For extra texture, you can top the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Gluten-Free Option: You can make this cake gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Sunshine Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

For the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is recommended. Bottled lemon juice may not provide the same fresh, vibrant taste.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different size pan. If you use a smaller pan, the cake may be thicker and may require additional baking time. For a larger pan, the cake will be thinner, and the baking time may be shorter, so keep an eye on it.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and add the glaze right before serving for the freshest look.

How can I make this cake more moist?

To make the cake more moist, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This will help retain moisture and add a creamy texture.

Can I make this cake in cupcake form?

Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into cupcakes. Just divide the batter into a cupcake tin lined with paper liners and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I skip the lemon glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler cake, you can skip the glaze. The cake will still be delicious with its natural lemon flavor.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or another egg substitute to make the cake vegan.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a richer topping, you can frost the cake with lemon buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze.

Is this cake good for serving at parties?

Absolutely! Sunshine Cake is a great choice for parties, gatherings, or any special occasion. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and the citrusy flavor is a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Sunshine Cake is a light, refreshing, and bright dessert that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus flavor. With its fluffy texture and zesty lemon glaze, it’s the perfect cake to bring joy and flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack or serving it at a special gathering, this cake will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. Simple to make and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, Sunshine Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves citrus desserts!

Sunshine Cake