Lemon brightens and enlivens any dish. These lemon cake ideas are the perfect balance of sweet and tart—they're perfect for spring and summer!
32 Irresistible Lemon Cake Ideas
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
California Lemon Pound Cake
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I’m always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
1/32
2/32
Blueberry Lemon Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this quick and easy dessert. Lemon flavor sparks the fruit layer and the tender cake. —Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa
3/32
Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about this pretty lemon sour cream pound cake—and it sure doesn’t last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri. Don’t forget to check out our favorite recipes for easy lemon desserts.
4/32
Glazed Lemon Tube Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy lemon cake recipe is just the dessert to brighten up a gray winter day (or any day). Lemon zest provides a nice zing in every bite. A light glaze gives the tall, golden cake a delicate crust. —John Thompson, Vandalia, Illinois
5/32
Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this cool treat because I wanted to find a new use for cream of coconut. The sweet coconut combines beautifully with the tart lemon juice, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. Look for cream of coconut in the cocktail mixer section of your grocery store. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
6/32
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious lemon poppy seed cake recipe uses cake mix and pudding mix for an easy dessert highlighting the classic flavor combination. —Betty Bjarnason, Egbert, ON
7/32
Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington
8/32
Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
9/32
7UP Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
10/32
Citrus Cornmeal Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It makes a great holiday party hostess gift and is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
11/32
Lemon Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia
12/32
Lemon Sheet Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to a convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives the cake sweetness. My family likes this dessert cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze it before serving. —Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
13/32
Summer Squash Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden brown, tender pound cake is the perfect treat to make when you have an abundance of summer squash in your garden. It's not overly sweet, so it appeals to everyone. —Lisa Brockwell, Necedah, Wisconsin
14/32
Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
15/32
Fluted Lemon Cake with Fresh Fruit
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This citrusy, golden-brown cake looks especially beautiful baked in a fancy fluted pan. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. —Donna Pochoday, Morristown, New Jersey
16/32
Lemon Cream Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of a layer cake, serve guests these delicate cupcakes tinged with a tangy lemon flavor. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
17/32
Lemon-Filled Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my coworkers brought this cake to a luncheon almost 40 years ago. It was so delicious that I asked for the recipe. I have baked it ever since, and it's always a hit! —Jackie Bergenheier, Wichita Falls, Texas
18/32
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings (3 cups lemon topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
19/32
Strawberry Shortcake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
20/32
Lemon Custard Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lemon custard cake recipe comes from my grandma— it’s nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It’s a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
21/32
Lemon Chiffon Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist, airy chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington
22/32
Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
23/32
Lemon Angel Cake Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
24/32
Ginger-Glazed Lemon Bundt
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
25/32
Lemon Meringue Angel Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been told that this dessert tastes exactly like a lemon meringue pie and that it's the best angel food cake anyone could ask for. I'm not sure about all of that, but it is delightful to serve, and each slice is virtually fat free. —Sharon Kurtz, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
26/32
Lemon Orange Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to bake this lovely three-layer lemon and orange cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
27/32
Pink Lemonade Stand Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
28/32
Lemon Blueberry Cornmeal Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lightened up this quick and easy dessert by making a few substitutions. Because the treat is so sweet, no one will know it's healthy, too.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California.
29/32
Moist Lemon Angel Cake Roll
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover's fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
30/32
Blueberry-Lemon Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was young when I married, so I watched my mother-in-law to learn baking. This cake with fresh blueberries is one of her beauties. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
31/32
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.
32/32
Lemon Pull-Apart Coffee Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in a newspaper and make it often. I like to bake this coffee cake when unexpected company stops in and I need something speedy to go with a cup of coffee. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
