Espresso Lemon Coffee Cake

Espresso lemon coffee cake. Because who doesn’t want to add some zest to their caffeine addiction? It’s like a perfect storm—espresso and lemon coming together, making your taste buds wonder if you’re having a pastry or drinking coffee. The sharp citrus cuts through the rich, bold coffee flavor, creating the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and tangy. It’s almost too good to be true—until you take a bite. So, why settle for a regular coffee cake when you can have one that’s packed with espresso and a refreshing citrus punch? Yes, you’re welcome.

Espresso Lemon Coffee Cake

moka coffee pot

Espresso lemon coffee cake delivers the perfect combination of bold espresso and tangy lemon in a fluffy, moist cake.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

• For the Cake:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
• Beat butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
• Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, then fold in lemon zest and juice.
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
• To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and espresso powder until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g

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Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

• Vitamin A: 6%
• Calcium: 3%
• Iron: 4%
• Vitamin C: 8%
• Potassium: 3%

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Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

• Add extra lemon zest to the glaze for a punch of citrus flavor.
• For a smoother texture, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
• Try adding a bit of almond extract to the batter for a deeper flavor.
• For a richer finish, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top of the glaze.