Description
Turn a box of lemon cake mix into a moist, fluffy, bakery-style lemon cake with just a few simple ingredients. Fresh lemon zest adds extra citrus flavor, while a simple lemon glaze makes the finished cake bright, sweet, and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (about 15–16 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, optional
For the Lemon Glaze, optional:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, and lemon zest if using.
- Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for an even stronger lemon flavor.
- For a richer, more homemade texture, replace the water with milk or buttermilk.
- You can add ½ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture.
- Fresh blueberries or raspberries make delicious additions.
- For a lighter option, unsweetened applesauce can replace some or all of the oil.
- Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
Keywords: lemon cake mix, lemon cake, boxed cake mix, lemon Bundt cake, easy lemon cake, lemon dessert, cake mix recipe