lemon coffee cake beckons with its golden crumb and bright citrus swirl, as if morning sunshine had been baked into every bite. A tender vanilla-scented base meets generous ribbons of zesty lemon curd, while a cinnamon-sprinkled crumb topping adds just the right hint of warmth. No crusty pork fat or boozy sherbets here—instead we stir in creamy yogurt and fresh lemon juice for tangy richness. With each slice, memories of lazy brunches and laughter with friends come flooding back. Quick to whip up and impossible to resist, this luscious treat turns any coffee break into a bright celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This lemon coffee cake
- Bright, zesty flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
- Great for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.
- Pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee.
lemon coffee cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your cake.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter!
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest for that zesty flavor.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with sour cream and lemon juice, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in cooled coffee until the batter is smooth. This adds a unique depth to your cake!
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle half over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon coffee cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Ingredients
Check out these vibrant ingredients that make up our delicious lemon coffee cake!
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – for the cake’s structure
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – additional leavening agent
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened for creaminess
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth
- Zest of 2 lemons – for that zesty flavor
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice – brightens the cake
- ½ cup sour cream – keeps it moist
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee – enhances the flavor, cooled
- ½ cup brown sugar – adds rich sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – a hint of spice
- 2 tablespoons butter – melted for topping
How to Make Lemon Coffee Cake
This delightful lemon coffee cake is perfect for any occasion! With a preparation time of 20 minutes, a cooking time of 35-40 minutes, and a cooling time of 10 minutes, you’ll have a zesty treat ready to impress your friends and family.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest for that zesty flavor.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with sour cream and lemon juice, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Coffee
Stir in cooled coffee until the batter is smooth. This adds a unique depth to your cake!
Step 7: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle half over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon coffee cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 70 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Warm with a cup of coffee! |
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Coffee Cake
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and zest.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing for a smoother finish.
- Incorporate sour cream for added moisture and richness.
- Experiment with different citrus zests for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
How to Serve this lemon coffee cake
- Enjoy a slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside a steaming cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra zesty sweetness.
- Slice it into small squares for a perfect brunch buffet addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you mix coffee with lemon?
Yes, you can mix coffee with lemon! This combination is often enjoyed for its refreshing and zesty flavor. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a slice of lemon to your coffee can brighten the taste and provide a unique twist. It’s a great way to enhance your morning brew, especially if you enjoy citrus flavors!
2. What is the difference between a cake and a coffee cake?
The main difference between a cake and a coffee cake lies in their purpose and texture. Coffee cakes are typically designed to be enjoyed with coffee, often featuring a crumbly topping or streusel. They are usually less sweet than traditional cakes and may include flavors like cinnamon or fruit. In contrast, regular cakes are often sweeter and are usually served as desserts on their own. Both are delicious, but coffee cakes have that special touch for pairing with your favorite brew!
3. What culture puts lemon in coffee?
Adding lemon to coffee is a practice found in various cultures, particularly in some Mediterranean regions. For example, in Italy, it’s common to add a slice of lemon to espresso for a refreshing twist. This practice is also seen in parts of the Middle East, where coffee is often flavored with spices and citrus. It’s a delightful way to enjoy coffee with a zesty kick!
4. Does coffee with lemon taste good?
Many people find that coffee with lemon tastes surprisingly good! The acidity of the lemon complements the rich flavors of the coffee, creating a unique and refreshing beverage. It’s a matter of personal preference, so if you enjoy citrus flavors, it’s definitely worth a try. You might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy your coffee!
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bite of this delightful lemon coffee cake, let the zesty flavors transport you to sunny afternoons and cherished moments. It’s a simple recipe that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. So, gather your loved ones, brew a fresh pot of coffee, and enjoy this rewarding treat that’s sure to brighten your day!