Lemon and coffee—because why should your taste buds ever be bored? This coffee-glazed lemon cake balances bright citrus with deep espresso richness. The zesty, buttery sponge keeps things light, while the bold glaze brings a caffeine-fueled punch. It’s the kind of dessert that confuses people—in the best way. Sweet? Yes. Tangy? Absolutely. Slightly bitter in a good way? You bet. If lemon cake and an espresso shot had a rebellious child, this would be it. Serve it at brunch, dessert, or whenever you need a sugar rush with a side of attitude.
Coffee-Glazed Lemon Cake
A citrusy, buttery lemon cake draped in a bold coffee glaze—unexpected, addictive, and dangerously good with your morning espresso.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt
For the Coffee Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed espresso cooled
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prep the Pan:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Mix in eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
Make the Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze and Serve:
- Pour the coffee glaze over the cake.
- Let it set before slicing.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 5%
- Potassium: 3%
- Magnesium: 2%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor
- Use dark roast espresso for a stronger coffee kick.
- Add a pinch of salt to the glaze for balance.
- Garnish with lemon zest for extra freshness.
