Description
Soft, rich, and packed with bright citrus flavor, this Gooey Lemon Butter Cake is the perfect treat for any time of day. With a golden crust and a gooey, buttery center, it’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that comes together with pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, a healthy snack with a zing, or easy dinner dessert ideas to impress, this easy recipe is the answer. Perfect for lemon lovers, it stores well and makes the kitchen smell like sunshine.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for best texture.
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.
Let the cake cool fully before slicing to maintain its gooey center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg