Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, sweet, and wonderfully moist dessert that is sure to become a new favorite, this Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is bursting with fresh lemon flavor, tender crumb, and a luscious glaze that perfectly balances tart and sweet, making it a refreshingly delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon gathering or a simple family dessert, this recipe is straightforward but packed with layers of citrus goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly amazing about this Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe is how humble pantry staples and fresh lemons come together to create something special. Each ingredient plays its part in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and brightness you’ll love.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its tender, soft structure.
• 1 & 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist cake crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A little lift to make the cake light and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 4 lemons): Concentrated lemon oils bring an intense citrus aroma and zing.
• 3/4 cup lemon juice (from 4 lemons): For that fresh lemon tang that makes this cake unmistakable.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the lemon juice and butter for the perfect wet mixture.
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender while adding a subtle tang.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the structure.
• 4 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted): The foundation for the glorious lemon glaze.
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 2-3 lemons): The fresh, tart component of the glaze that cuts through the sweetness.
• Lemon slices (quartered): Bright and pretty garnishes that complement the cake’s flavors.
• Raspberries: Add a pop of color and a subtle sweet-tart contrast to the cake.

How to Make Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start with preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare an 18×12 inch half sheet pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Lemon Zest

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Then, grate fresh lemon zest directly into the bowl to wake up those flavors — this zest is the spark that sets the whole cake apart.

Step 3: Make the Butter-Lemon Mixture

Juice the 4 lemons to get 3/4 cup of juice and combine with 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Add the 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and warm over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until everything melts and comes to a rolling boil. This luscious mixture adds the rich lemon flavor that penetrates the cake deeply.

Step 4: Mix Wet into Dry Ingredients

Pour the butter-lemon liquid into the dry ingredients. Stir or beat gently until just combined, ensuring a smooth but not overmixed batter.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Eggs

Add the sour cream and eggs to the bowl and beat until everything is thoroughly combined. Make sure to scrape down the edges so you get all the batter mixed evenly—this step locks in moisture and richness.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn light brown and start to pull away from the pan. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely. This step is crucial so your glaze will set beautifully without melting or sliding off.

Step 8: Whip Up the Lemon Glaze

Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, then add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until silky smooth, adding more powdered sugar if you want a thicker consistency to coat the cake perfectly.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it spread naturally to the edges. Set it aside for an hour or two to harden slightly—that glossy finish is pure magic!

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Slice the cake and add a quarter lemon slice and a raspberry to each piece for a pop of color and an extra burst of fresh flavor. These garnishes make the cake look as delightful as it tastes.

How to Serve Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes aren’t just for show—they add layers of flavor and a fresh zing. The tart lemon slices boost the citrus punch, while sweet-tart raspberries balance the glaze’s sweetness. You can also experiment with mint leaves for a herbal freshness or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Serve this Lemon Sheet Cake with a side of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to soften the bright lemon acidity. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can enhance the vibrant citrus theme, making your dessert spread even more inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter for a party-friendly option. Alternatively, stack slices with layers of lemon curd in between for a multi-textured lemon extravaganza. Even dusting with additional lemon zest or edible glitter gives your cake an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe will keep well at room temperature on the counter for up to three days if covered, allowing the texture to remain soft and the glaze intact. After that, refrigerate to extend freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to store slices for longer, tightly wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the freezer. Frozen cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring frozen cake slices back to life, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be sure not to overdo it or the glaze might soften too much. Enjoy slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor since it has bright, natural citrus oils that bottled juice often lacks. However, if in a pinch, you can use bottled juice but aim for the freshest and purest kind you can find.

Is sour cream necessary in the cake batter?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, creating a tender crumb. You could substitute with Greek yogurt, but it might slightly change the texture and flavor.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake without running off immediately. Adjust by adding powdered sugar if too thin, or lemon juice if too thick, until you get a smooth, thick drizzle consistency.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—such as using vegan butter, flax eggs, and a dairy-free sour cream alternative—you can adapt this recipe, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary from the original version.

Why does the cake need to cool completely before glazing?

If you glaze warm cake, the heat will melt the sugary coating and cause it to slide off, losing that attractive glossy finish. Cooling the cake completely ensures the glaze sets perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze and Garnishes Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple yet spectacular way to brighten any day with sunshine in every bite. Once you taste that perfect blend of tart lemon and sugary glaze, you’ll understand why this cake is a keeper—easy to make, irresistible to eat, and delightful to share with everyone you love.

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