5 of the best lemon cake recipes ranked by taste.com.au
From the classics to something a little more unique, taste.com.au has crunched the data on thousands of reviews to work out the absolute best lemon cakes.
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A timeless classic for any sweet tooth, it’s no surprise that lemon cake is one of the top-searched baking recipes on taste.com.au and a favourite that’s made many thousands of times a year in kitchens across Australia.
A sweet treat that evokes memories and excites the tastebuds in equal measure, lemon cake is believed to date back at least 500 years and is a staple at any morning or afternoon tea party.
But with so many recipes and variations out there, finding the recipe that hits the sweet spot and becomes a go-to in your baking repertoire can feel a little overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve crunched the data on thousands of reviews to work out the definitive ranking on our absolute best lemon cake recipes for you.
From the classics to something a little more unique, here are our top five lemon cakes in descending order (the one that took out the top spot may surprise you).
5. Lemon yoghurt cake with syrup
If you’re new to baking with yoghurt, this will be the cake to convert you. Moist without being dense, with a crumb that’s still fluffy – this cake owes a lot to the cup of Greek yoghurt added to the mixture.
But what takes this recipe to the next level is the syrup: it’s sweet without being too sweet and tart without being too much.
With more than 70 high ratings, this lemon cake recipe has become a firm favourite among reviewers, who praise its simplicity, texture and flavour.
4. Lemon chiffon cake
A delicate showstopper guaranteed to bring any celebration to life, this chiffon cake is deceptively easy to make but still packs a punch thanks to its lemony zing.
Using oil instead of butter to create a perfectly aerated and fluffy texture, why not make this your next birthday cake?
With a current average rating of 5 stars and rave reviews ranging from “absolute perfection” to “superb”, this is one cake guaranteed to have everyone asking for the recipe.
3. Flourless lemon buttermilk cake
The beauty of this cake is that it’s perfect for almost any occasion. While it’s a great gluten-free alternative to traditional lemon cake, it’s not just for those going flourless.
This citrus delight combines the zest and juice of lemon with the subtle creaminess of almonds and buttermilk, guaranteeing a moist result every time.
Taste.com.au member assabargi says: “This cake was delicious, and easy to make. A friend who doubted that a flourless cake could be enjoyable came back for seconds.”
2. Lemon loaf
Taking just 10 minutes to prepare before it bakes, this lemon loaf is an absolute failsafe when it comes to delivering something delicious at short notice.
With just six ingredients and over 100 5-star ratings, it’s no surprise that this versatile loaf – which can be dressed up with ice cream or syrups or enjoyed as is – is a taste.com.au favourite that ticks all the boxes.
But don’t just take our word for it, we’ll leave it to taste.com.au member Imaan for the final verdict:
“One of the best, if not, THE best cake I’ve ever eaten. Hands down. Can’t go past this. And it’s suits almost any occasion. Incredible. Thank you.”
1. Lemon ricotta dessert cake
Rounding off the list in the top spot is a cake with so many rave reviews it’s hard to find another recipe so universally loved by bakers: our incredible lemon ricotta dessert cake.
With a similar texture to a lighter baked cheesecake, this dessert-meets-cake recipe is a perfect way to round out a dinner party or just to enjoy when a sugar craving hits.
Why does it deserve its place as #1 on our list? Because everyone who tries it seems to love it – and it’s pretty adaptable, too. Swap the lemon curd for jam (it still works). Skip the lemon curd altogether (you’ve still got an awesome cake).
But we’ll leave the final words to taste.com.au member Dany: “This is an absolute family favourite. It gets requested for most functions and get-togethers we have. People fight over taking the leftovers home with them (if there are any). Serve it fresh and warm for the yummiest results.”
Want to get the best results from your lemon cake? Check out these tips:
Why is my lemon cake flat?
There are a number of reasons your lemon cake might sink in the middle or fail to rise, but the most common mistakes are not using the right baking pan and either mixing your cake batter too little or too much. If it’s your first time trying a new recipe, make sure you follow it to a tee to ensure the best results.
How can I keep my lemon cake moist?
In addition to sticking to the recipe’s oven temperature and cooking time, lemon cakes can be kept deliciously moist with a lemon drizzle or citrus syrup applied once baked.
What goes with a lemon cake?
The zesty freshness of lemon cake pair perfectly with smooth-tasting accompaniments like ice cream or whipped cream, as the richness cuts through any tartness to create the ideal flavour compliment.
Other lemon cake recipes you might like:
For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.
Originally published as 5 of the best lemon cake recipes ranked by taste.com.au
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