Gluten Free Lemon Cake: The Easiest Ever Recipe!

Gluten free lemon cake. Yes, you read that right! The bright, sunny flavors of lemon combined with the comforting crumb of a delicious cake, all without any gluten. This gluten free lemon cake isn’t just an allergy friendly option; it’s a seriously delightful treat that’ll brighten your day. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother, who always added a touch of lemon zest to everything she baked, and I think I can hear her saying “Martha, this lemon cake is scrumptious!”

I remember days spent in her kitchen, the aroma of citrus filling the air. Now, years later, I’m sharing my version, specifically designed to be wonderfully gluten free! It’s a cake that’s perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply a little self care. It’s light, moist, and bursting with flavor. What’s not to love?

Why You Will Love This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

This gluten free lemon cake recipe is more than just delicious; it’s sunshine on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just simple ingredients and a little bit of love will do the trick! The bright, tangy lemon flavor is incredibly comforting, and the cake’s tender, moist crumb will melt in your mouth.

I love making this gluten free lemon cake because it’s so versatile. I can serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with a luscious lemon glaze. It’s truly a cake for any occasion. Plus, knowing that it’s a gluten free option makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family who have dietary restrictions.

I’m convinced that this very cake can bring people together. Once you try this lemon cake, you’ll be hooked. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser that you’ll be making again and again.

Ingredients Needed for This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

How to Make This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
7. 7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
10. 10. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.

This cake is truly a symphony of flavors. If you’re interested in other equally delicious gluten free treats, be sure to check out our Gluten Free Lemon Cake 2 variation. For another crowd pleaser, try our Gluten Free Carrot Cake 9! Or how about our Gluten Free Carrot Cake 10 recipe?

How to Serve This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

This gluten free lemon cake is delightful served at room temperature. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs to shine. For a more decadent treat, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee; the bright lemon flavor complements the warmth of the beverage. Consider serving it with fresh berries or a lemon curd for an added burst of flavor and color.

This cake is also elegant enough to serve at a brunch or afternoon tea party. Arrange it on a pretty cake stand and watch it disappear!

How to Store This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

To store this gluten free lemon cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Storing it in the refrigerator will help to keep it moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To thaw, place the frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips to Make This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

• Use high quality gluten free flour: Not all gluten free flours are created equal. Using a good quality blend that contains xanthan gum will help to create a tender, moist cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Fresh ingredients will give the cake the best flavor.
• Let the cake cool completely before glazing: If you glaze the cake while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
• Adjust the sweetness of the glaze: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of powdered sugar.

Helpful Notes for This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results. This helps the cake achieve a light and airy texture.

For extra lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the cake taste artificial.

If you don’t have a 9 inch round cake pan, you can use an 8 inch pan, but the baking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.

Variation of This gluten free lemon cake Recipe

For a seasonal twist, consider grating the zest of an orange or lime into the cake batter. This adds a different citrus flavor that’s equally delicious.

You can also add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a burst of fruity sweetness. Gently fold them in after the dry ingredients have been added.

For a richer flavor, try adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers before glazing. This adds a tangy and creamy element to each bite.

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Conclusion

This gluten free lemon cake is a testament to the fact that gluten free baking can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional baking. It’s a bright, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the zesty, lemony goodness transport you to a sunny afternoon in my grandmother’s kitchen. I hope you enjoy this gluten free lemon cake as much as my family and I do! Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or your own baking tips!

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