French Lemon Cake

Sweets, Vegetarian

Prep time

10 mins

Total time

45 mins

Serves

8-10 people

Level

Easy

About the recipe

This gourmet French lemon cake combines bright citrus flavor with a rich, moist buttery crumb for a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. Finished with a smooth lemon icing, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and fresh lemon zest, bringing classic French bakery charm to your table.

Ingredients

Bowl 1

● 1 cup (230 g) sugar

● ½ cup + 1 tbsp (120 g total) melted unsalted butter

● Zest of two lemons

● Optional : 1 tbsp (1 c à soup) vanilla extract

Other Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 1 ¼ cup + 1 tbsp (160 g total) flour

• ¾ tsp (3 g) baking powder

• The juice of 2 lemons (160 g)

Icing

• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 g total) lemon juice

• ¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 340 °F (170 °C)

2. Melt the butter gently in a small pot.

3. Combine ingredients of bowl 1 together and whisk. Keep about 1 tsp of zest aside as cake topping for later.

4. When adding each ingredient, be sure not to over mix or it can create “wells” in the cake affecting its consistency.

5. Combine the eggs into the mixture and whisk.

6. Add the flour and baking powder and whisk.

7. Add the lemon juice and whisk.

8. Place the batter into a buttered bread pan or silicone.

9. The total cook time is 30-35 minutes. After 20 minutes, cover the bread with parchment paper so it doesn’t burn or dry out.

10. Remove the cake from the oven when a knife comes out clean from the center. Be sure not to overcook the cake.
11. Let the cake cool down for a good 2-3 hours before adding the icing.

12. Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a cake dish.

13. Mix the icing ingredients together in a bowl with a fork.

14. Starting at one end of the cake, slowly pour the icing evenly over the top of the cake as you move to the opposite end of the cake. Don’t worry if the icing overflows on the bottom of the cake dish- this just makes it more fun to eat!

15. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest on top of the cake.

16. Keep the cake in a cool area to prevent the icing from melting.

17. This cake refrigerates well for 4-5 days or it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Share the love :

If you love this French recipe… try these !

French Asparagus

French Asparagus

Prep time5 minsTotal cook time15 minsServes3-4 peopleLevelEasyAbout the recipe  Start here! Scared to cook French? You can mess this up! Give it a try and you’ll be swooning for more French in your home! Enjoy French asparagus roasted to perfection, coated in a...

French Breakfast Brownie

French Breakfast Brownie

Prep time10 minsTotal cook time40 minsServes6 peopleLevelEasyAbout the recipeStart your morning with a guilt-free chocolate nutty breakfast treat that is rich, wholesome, and energizing. 🍫 Each bite is packed with deep, satisfying chocolate flavor that feels indulgent...

French Roasted Potatoes

French Roasted Potatoes

Prep time10 minsTotal cook time40 minsServes2-3 peopleLevelEasyAbout the recipe  Irresistible honey-caramelized French roasted potatoes are oven-baked until golden, with a crisp parmesan crust and tender centers. Perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors, they...