Lemon Cake

Name: Lemon Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 15 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package white cake mix (regular size); 1 package (3 ounces) lemon gelatin; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water; 4 egg whites; 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 4 drops yellow food coloring, optional; LEMON GLAZE:; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/3 cup lemon juice

This fluffy cake is full of citrus flavor but not much fat or cholesterol. Preparation starts with a boxed mix for convenience and ends with a refreshing two-ingredient lemon glaze.—Bonita Giesbrecht, Glenn, California

Ingredients

1 package white cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3 ounces) lemon gelatin
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
4 egg whites
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon lemon extract
4 drops yellow food coloring, optional
LEMON GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, gelatin, water, egg whites, applesauce, oil, lemon extract and food coloring if desired; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Pour into a 13x9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, for glaze, in a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle about a third of glaze over cake; carefully spread evenly. Repeat with remaining glaze. Cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 225 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Lemon Jello Cake in Light & Tasty April/May 2005

Reviews

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Average Rating:

PageRD

Mar 23, 2016

The smell while it was baking was amazing but the first bite? That huge pop of lemon was out of this world! We could not stop eating it!!!! It's so easy, I could make it every week.
juicy7730

Sep 23, 2014

I took this cake to a quilt retreat last year. Now it is a requirement for me to attend any future retreats. Really good!
kristieg

May 11, 2014

Prepared with a gluten free yellow cake mix. Turned out like a very moist lemon bar. Wonderful!
WyoMom86

May 10, 2014

SO simple! I made in 13x9 for a friend's birthday surprise, accidentally omitting the oil and it still was delicious! I am making it today w/ lemon cake mix and sugar-free gelatin, other suggested 'tweaks' and baking in a bundt pan for a beautiful Mother's Day cake.
queen of kitchen

May 9, 2014

I've made this twice, using 2 eggs, lemon cake mix, lemon juice and zest. Omitted lemon extract and food coloring. FANTASTIC!! Very light & refreshing.
rharkless

May 7, 2014

I have baked this cake twice. The first time, I accidentally included the lemon juice in with the cake. The result was a nice-tasting lemon cake. The second time, I followed the directions and finished the cake with the glaze. What a difference! So good, especially with fresh strawberries and a little whipped cream.
jendrummond

May 1, 2014

I added strawberries. They were great!
hchambers

Apr 25, 2014

If you love lemons, this is the cake for you. I used a lemon cake mix instead of white and lemon juice in place of the extract. This can also be made into a layer cake with lemon curd for the filling. Great recipe!
Spiceeg

Apr 25, 2014

Love lemon! Does anyone know if you can use a gluten free cake mix instead?
pretzeld

Apr 24, 2014

I used a lemon cake mix and baked this in 2-8" layer pans. I omit the lemon extract because I don't like the artificial flavour.and when adding the water, I use lemon juice for the last 2 TB of water and a heaping tsp.of lemon zest. When cooled, I spread lemon pie filling between the two layers and drizzled the glaze over the top. Lemon heaven.