Easter Lemon Bundt Cake
Moist Lemon Bundt Cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a sweet-tangy citrus glaze. An easy homemade dessert perfect for Easter, spring, brunch, or any occasion.

I love citrus cakes! I have a delicious Orange and Olive Oil Cake that I patiently wait two days for before eating because I want it to reach peak flavor perfection. Not only that, but I also have the most delicious Lemon Curd Cake (and I’m not just saying that because many 5-star reviews attest to it!)! Anything lemony I love, so it’s not a surprise that today I baked a fabulous Easter-inspired lemon bundt cake that’s as delicious as the previous cakes I have mentioned! You need to try it!

What makes this cake stand out is how the lemon flavor is layered. First, fresh lemon zest is rubbed directly into the sugar. This step releases the essential oils and creates a naturally perfumed base, and intensifies the lemon flavor. Then, fresh lemon juice is added to the batter for gentle tang and moisture. A spoonful of yogurt or sour cream brings balance and softness. Finished with a simple lemon glaze, this easy homemade lemon Bundt cake looks elegant yet requires minimal effort—making it ideal for Easter, spring gatherings, brunches, holidays, or everyday baking.
This Lemon Bundt Cake is truly the kind of dessert that instantly brightens any table. With its soft, moist crumb and bold citrus flavor, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bundt Cake
If you love bright citrus desserts, this recipe delivers a bold lemon flavor without being overly sweet. The batter uses fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and creamy yogurt to create a soft, rich crumb that stays moist for days.
Unlike many traditional Bundt cake recipes, this version skips complicated techniques like separating eggs or whipping egg whites. Instead, everything comes together with a straightforward mixing method that still produces a beautifully tender cake.
This cake is perfect for spring desserts, Easter baking, brunch tables, or afternoon coffee treats.

Ingredients for the Best Lemon Bundt Cake
For the Lemon Bundt Cake:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Simple Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional garnish: extra lemon zest, candied lemon peel, thin lemon slices, sprinkles, and mini chocolate eggs, especially for Easter.
How to Make Lemon Bundt Cake
- Prepare the pan and oven
Preheat the oven to 338–340°F (170°C). Grease and flour a 10–12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly, including the center tube. Zest the lemons before juicing them. - Infuse the lemon sugar
In a large bowl, rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers. This releases the natural citrus oils and creates a deeper lemon flavor throughout the cake. - Mix the wet ingredients
Add the eggs to the lemon sugar and beat on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while mixing until smooth. Add the lemon juice, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy. - Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Make the batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions. Mix gently on low speed or fold by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and tender. - Bake the cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release large air bubbles. Bake for 45–50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Simple Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice for a thinner drizzle.
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with extra lemon zest or candied lemon peel if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Moist Lemon Bundt Cake
A few simple baking tips can help ensure your homemade lemon Bundt cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Use room-temperature eggs and yogurt for smoother mixing.
- Thoroughly grease and flour the Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan to avoid breaking.
For even more lemon flavor, you can brush the warm cake with a tablespoon or two of lemon syrup before glazing.
Serving Ideas
This classic lemon Bundt cake with glaze is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:
- Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Pair with tea, coffee, or a spring brunch spread.
Because the cake stays moist for several days, it’s also a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my Bundt cake sticking to the pan?
Bundt pans have many curves and ridges, which makes proper greasing essential. Use butter or baking spray and lightly flour the pan, making sure to coat every crevice.
Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt?
Yes. Both yogurt and sour cream work well in this recipe. Sour cream creates a slightly richer cake, while yogurt keeps it light and tangy.
How do I store lemon Bundt cake?
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can lemon Bundt cake be frozen?
Yes. Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?
For a more intense citrus taste, add extra lemon zest to the batter or brush the cake with a light lemon syrup before adding the glaze.


Easy Lemon Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature if possible
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream, room temperature helps with smooth mixing
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Simple Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional garnish remains the same: extra lemon zest, candied lemon peel, etc.
Instructions
Preparations
- Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). This is the correct temperature.
- Grease and flour a 10–12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly (including the center tube).
- Zest the lemons first, then juice them.
Infuse the Sugar
- In a large bowl, rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers until fragrant and slightly damp. This keeps the deep lemon flavor.
Make the Wet Batter
- Add the 3 whole eggs to the lemon sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until pale, thick, and increased in volume (it won’t get quite as fluffy as with separated yolks, but it will lighten up nicely).
- Slowly drizzle in the oil while mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the lemon juice, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, folding/mixing gently on low speed (or by hand) just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix to keep it tender.
Bake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter once or twice to release large air bubbles.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes (start checking at 40 minutes), or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust with more juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
- Pour/drizzle over the fully cooled cake and let it set.
Nutrition
Last updated on March 16th, 2026 at 07:08 pm
