Lemon Cake No Frosting That Feels Like a Sunny Afternoon

When you want something light but still indulgent, this lemon cake no frosting is the kind of treat you find yourself reaching for again and again. The zing of fresh lemon zest and juice wakes up your senses, while the tender crumb feels like a cozy hug in every bite.

I remember the first time I made this cake—it was one of those afternoons when the sun was just right, filtering through the kitchen window and catching the little sugar crystals as they shimmered. I was halfway through mixing when my phone buzzed, distracting me for a moment, and I almost forgot to add the vanilla extract. Somehow, that small oversight didn’t matter; the cake still turned out perfectly moist and bursting with citrus flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s forgiving, which feels good when life gets a little hectic.

Why You’ll Love It:

• The lemon flavor is bright and fresh without being overpowering, making it a great anytime snack.
• It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No frosting means less fuss but all the taste.
• Moist and tender texture that stays just right, even the day after baking.
• Perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxed moment.

Sometimes I like to slice this cake thinly for a light bite, other times I let myself enjoy a generous piece with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s flexible like that, which is why I keep it in my baking rotation.

Lemon Cake No Frosting

Print Recipe

A moist and flavorful lemon cake with a bright citrus taste, perfect on its own without any frosting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

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1 and 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the sour cream, whole milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Kitchen Notes:

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this cake, just a basic mixer and a reliable pan. I usually bake it in an 8-inch round pan, but a square pan works too if that’s what you have handy. For serving, this cake is lovely with fresh berries or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, though it’s great on its own. Variations? I’ve tried swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt with decent results, and sometimes I sneak in a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla, which adds a subtle twist. Honestly, I haven’t tested all possibilities, but it’s forgiving enough to experiment a little.

FAQ:

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. It keeps well for a couple of days at room temperature and can be refrigerated or frozen if you want to save it longer.

Is it okay without frosting? Yes! The cake is moist and flavorful enough to stand on its own, which is what makes it special.

Can I use bottled lemon juice? You can, but fresh lemon juice really brightens the flavor and makes a difference.

This lemon cake no frosting is the kind of simple pleasure that turns an ordinary day into something a little brighter. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new go-to.