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Zesty & Moist One-Bowl Lemon Snack Cake: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert!

Bright, buttery, and bursting with vibrant citrus, this lemon snack cake is the ultimate sunny pick-me-up for any time of day. Whether you crave a sweet treat in the afternoon, a delightful breakfast companion, or a satisfying midnight snack, this cake delivers. It boasts a wonderfully soft and moist texture with just the right amount of zing, all while coming together effortlessly in a single bowl – meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

There’s something uniquely comforting about a homemade cake, and this lemon variation is no exception. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. The fresh lemon flavor is invigorating, cutting through the sweetness for a perfectly balanced bite every time. Get ready to fall in love with a cake that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.

Craving More Irresistible Snack Cakes?

If you’re a fan of fuss-free, delicious cakes, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic options from our collection. They’re perfect for any occasion, offering a quick and satisfying dessert experience.

You’ll adore this Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, packed with fruity sweetness.
Indulge in the seasonal flavors of this Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake, a fall favorite.
Discover even more delights with our comprehensive list of 36 Yummy Snack Cakes To Try, offering endless inspiration for your next baking adventure!

Why This Easy Lemon Snack Cake Will Become Your New Go-To Recipe

This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s the kind of effortless lemon cake you’ll want to keep in your culinary toolkit for spontaneous cravings, unexpected guests, or simply when you need a little sunshine on a cloudy day. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a true kitchen hero. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

One-Bowl Magic for Minimal Cleanup: Say goodbye to a mountain of dirty dishes! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. All the ingredients come together in a single mixing bowl, streamlining the baking process and making cleanup a breeze. This means less time scrubbing and more time savoring your delicious homemade treat.
Lemon-Forward Flavor That Truly Shines: If you’re a true lemon lover, this cake is for you. It delivers an intensely bright and fresh lemon flavor, derived from ample fresh lemon zest, without being overly tart or sour. Each bite is a delightful burst of natural citrus, perfectly balanced with the cake’s sweetness.
Perfectly Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to key ingredients like melted butter and full-fat sour cream, this snack cake boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb. It’s light and airy yet rich and satisfying, melting in your mouth with every forkful. The texture is consistently perfect, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
Incredibly Versatile and Simple to Customize: This cake is fantastic on its own, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for a more subtle sweetness. However, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. It’s wonderful frosted with a creamy vanilla buttercream, adorned with sprinkles, or served alongside a handful of fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance and fruity goodness.
A True Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: This lemon snack cake has universal appeal. Its bright, approachable flavor and soft texture make it a hit with kids, while adults appreciate its sophisticated yet comforting taste. Lemon enthusiasts, in particular, will find themselves coming back for slice after slice, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a treat for the family.

Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Lemon Snack Cake

Creating this delightful lemon snack cake requires a handful of common baking staples, ensuring that it’s not only incredibly delicious but also convenient to prepare. Using quality ingredients, especially fresh lemon zest, will make a significant difference in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Irresistible Lemon Snack Cake:

¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
½ cup butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to the cake’s signature texture. Melting the butter allows for an easy one-bowl mixing process.
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest: This is the powerhouse of lemon flavor! Ensure your lemons are fresh and organic if possible. Zest provides a pure, concentrated citrus aroma without adding excess liquid.
½ teaspoon salt: A crucial ingredient to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the cake.
1 cup full-fat sour cream: The secret weapon for an incredibly moist and tender cake. Sour cream adds richness and a slight tang, complementing the lemon beautifully.
2 large eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the batter. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation of the cake. Measure it correctly (spoon and level) to avoid a dense cake.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, creating a light and airy texture.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the acidic sour cream to ensure a perfect lift and golden brown crust.

For the Dreamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

While the cake is delicious on its own, this simple vanilla buttercream adds a layer of creamy indulgence that perfectly complements the zesty lemon.

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: The base for a rich and smooth buttercream. Softened butter creams easily and incorporates air well.
3 cups powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it gives the frosting its smooth texture and sweetness.
3 Tablespoons heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, making it creamy and spreadable. Use more for a thinner frosting, less for a thicker one.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds classic, warm vanilla notes that beautifully contrast with the lemon.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the frosting and prevents it from being overly sweet.
Optional: sprinkles for garnish: Add a festive touch, especially if you’re making this for a celebration!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Easy Lemon Snack Cake

Follow these straightforward instructions to create a beautifully moist and flavorful lemon snack cake with minimal fuss. This one-bowl method makes baking a joy!

Baking the Lemon Cake:

Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray. For even easier removal and cleanup, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles,” then lightly spray the parchment paper as well.
Combine Wet Ingredients for Flavor Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, finely grated lemon zest, and salt. Whisk or stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is fragrant with lemon. This step ensures the lemon flavor is infused throughout the cake.
Incorporate Dairy and Eggs: To the lemon mixture, add the full-fat sour cream and the two large eggs. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. The sour cream is crucial for moisture, so ensure it’s fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Whisk or stir until just smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dry cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared 9-inch square pan using a spatula.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes. The cake is done when the top is lightly golden brown, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a critical step before frosting; attempting to frost a warm cake will result in melted, messy frosting. Allow at least an hour, or even two, for the cake to cool down entirely.

Whipping Up the Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This simple, creamy vanilla buttercream is the perfect complement to the zesty lemon cake. It’s easy to make and yields a wonderfully smooth, spreadable frosting.

Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it is light, fluffy, and creamy, which usually takes about 1 minute. This aeration is key for a light frosting.
Add Remaining Ingredients and Mix: Add the powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), heavy cream (or half-and-half/whole milk), salt, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Begin beating on low speed for about 30 seconds to incorporate the powdered sugar without creating a cloud of dust.
Whip Until Fluffy: After the initial low-speed mix, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for a full 2 minutes. This high-speed beating incorporates air, making the frosting incredibly light and fluffy.
Adjust Consistency (if needed): If your frosting appears too thick, add a very small splash (about ½ teaspoon at a time) more heavy cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and beat until combined.
Frost and Garnish: Once the lemon snack cake has completely cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top. For an extra festive touch, scatter some colorful sprinkles or a delicate dusting of fresh lemon zest over the frosting. Slice and enjoy your delightful homemade treat!

Storing Your Delicious Lemon Snack Cake to Keep it Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your moist lemon snack cake for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: If your kitchen is cool and not overly humid, you can store the frosted lemon snack cake at room temperature for up to 1 day. Ensure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight cake container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Again, make sure it’s tightly covered to maintain moisture. Before serving, let it sit out at room temperature for about half an hour to allow the frosting and cake to soften slightly, bringing out the best flavors and textures. Alternatively, individual slices can be microwaved for 10-15 seconds for a warm, comforting treat.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment:

This lemon snack cake is also freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever a craving strikes!

Freezing Unfrosted Cake: For best results, freeze the unfrosted cake. Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Frosting: To thaw, simply transfer the wrapped cake to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, unwrap it and let it come to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Lemon Snack Cake

Want to tweak your snack cake with even more lemon love or add a unique twist? This versatile recipe is easy to adapt! Here are a few fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Add a Berry Burst: Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking for a delightful fruity kick. The berries pair beautifully with the lemon, adding bursts of color and flavor. If using frozen berries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Simple Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a lighter and less sweet option, skip the vanilla buttercream frosting entirely. Instead, once the cake is cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and understated finish. This is perfect if you prefer a less decadent dessert.
Swap for a Zesty Lemon Glaze: To really double down on the citrus flavor, replace the vanilla frosting with a tangy lemon glaze. Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or spread this glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of bright lemon goodness.
Extra Tangy Flavor Boost: For those who truly love a pronounced lemon flavor, stir in a splash (about 1-2 tablespoons) of fresh lemon juice directly into the cake batter along with the wet ingredients. This will intensify the tanginess without compromising the cake’s texture.
Cream Cheese Frosting Alternative: If you adore the combination of lemon and cream cheese, consider swapping the vanilla buttercream for a luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. This adds a delightful richness and a complementary tang that takes the cake to another level.
Lemon Poppy Seed Delight: For a classic flavor combination, add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the cake batter with the dry ingredients. This will give your snack cake a wonderful texture and a sophisticated, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Lemon Snack Cake

Have questions about making this delightful lemon snack cake? We’ve got answers to some common queries to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Full-fat Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It helps keep the cake incredibly moist and adds a similar tanginess, contributing to the cake’s wonderful texture and flavor. Ensure it’s full-fat for the best results.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

You bet it is! The unfrosted lemon snack cake freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, with a few adjustments. You can use an 8-inch square pan for a slightly thicker cake; you’ll likely need to add a few minutes (3-5 minutes) to the bake time, so keep an eye on it. If you want to make a larger cake, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. The baking time will also increase for a larger pan, likely to 35-45 minutes.

What type of lemons work best for this recipe?

Fresh, regular lemons (like Eureka or Lisbon varieties) are perfect for this recipe, providing that classic bright and zesty lemon flavor. If you can find Meyer lemons, they offer a slightly sweeter, less acidic, and more floral twist, which can be a delightful variation to try.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh zest?

While bottled lemon juice can provide some acidity, it won’t deliver the same intense, bright lemon flavor that fresh lemon zest does. The zest contains the essential oils of the lemon, which are crucial for the aromatic and vibrant taste in this cake. For the best possible flavor, we highly recommend using fresh lemon zest.

My cake turned out dry, what went wrong?

A dry cake is usually a result of overbaking or overmixing. Ensure you measure your flour accurately (spoon and level method) and mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Most importantly, start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time range, and remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Baking Tips for Lemon Snack Cake Success

Achieving a perfect lemon snack cake is easy when you keep a few simple baking tips in mind. These pointers will help ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and wonderfully textured every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender cake crumb.
Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemons before you cut and juice them. It’s much easier to get the fine zest from a whole lemon.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour mixture, mix only until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to a tough and chewy cake rather than a tender one.
Measure Flour Accurately: Using too much flour is a common cause of dry cakes. Use the spoon and level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with the back of a knife. Do not scoop directly from the bag.
Monitor Baking Time Closely: Ovens can vary, so always start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time suggested. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Allow the cake to cool entirely on a wire rack before applying any frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Lemon Treat

This versatile lemon snack cake is perfect for a variety of occasions and can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for how to serve and enjoy your homemade masterpiece:

Classic Snack: Simply slice and serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break or a comforting treat any time.
Elegant Dessert: Pair a slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) for a more sophisticated dessert.
Brunch Favorite: Offer it as part of a brunch spread. Its bright flavor is a wonderful addition alongside savory dishes.
Garnish Galore: Beyond sprinkles, consider garnishing with candied lemon slices, a dusting of finely grated lemon zest, or a few fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Perfect for Potlucks: Its square shape makes it easy to cut into uniform slices, making it an ideal candidate for sharing at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.

This cheerful little lemon snack cake recipe is pure sunshine in dessert form, offering a perfect balance of zesty lemon tang and a wonderfully moist crumb. It’s incredibly easy to make, ideal for sharing, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. If you whip up this delightful recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your lemony masterpiece! Please tag me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

More Zesty Lemon Delights You’ll Love!

If you can’t get enough of lemon desserts, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes. From pies to cookies, there’s a lemon treat for every craving:

30 Irresistible Lemon Desserts
Lemon Burst Poke Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese Blondies
Fluffy Lemon Pudding Cake
Best Lemon Blueberry Loaf
Glazed Soft Lemon Cookies
Homemade Lemon Brownies

Lemon Snack Cake

Author: Kim Lange

Make your afternoons brighter with this lemon snack cake recipe that is soft, moist & bursting with citrusy goodness, topped with a luscious vanilla frosting & festive sprinkles!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Servings: 9 Servings

Calories: 604 kcal

Ingredients

Lemon Snack Cake

¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter, melted, cooled
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup full-fat sour cream
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda

Vanilla Frosting

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

Lemon Snack Cake

Heat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and lightly spray it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk or mix together the granulated sugar, melted butter, lemon zest, and salt. Add in the sour cream and eggs, and stir until well combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting and adding sprinkles to the cake.

Vanilla Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes until light and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thin, add up to 1/4 cup more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more heavy cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost the cooled cake and add sprinkles or a dusting of lemon zest on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Keywords

birthday, birthday cake, lemon, snack cake, sprinkles, vanilla frosting

Tried This Recipe?

Let us know how it was by commenting below!

Recipe slightly adapted from Land O Lakes

Now grab that fork and go get yourself a slice of this heavenly lemon treat! 🍋💛