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Delightfully Tangy Lemon Sheet Cake

Bright citrus notes combine in a moist Lemon Sheet Cake. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a midweek treat. It's easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze

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

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Tip: Sifting the flour can help create an even lighter cake.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

  • In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then, stir in the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • Tip: Be sure to scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.

Combine the Mixtures

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Tip: While the cake is baking, start on the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if it’s too thick.

Glaze the Cake

  • Once the cake is baked and cooled for about 10 minutes, gently prick the top with a toothpick and pour the glaze evenly over the surface.

Notes

Pro tips
  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding glaze for a smoother finish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.