Description
Lemon Crazy Cake is a deliciously moist and tangy dessert that uses pantry staples and a unique method omitting eggs and dairy in the batter. Featuring bright lemon zest and juice, it’s topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make cake boasts a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 5 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 drops yellow food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or flour a 9×9-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Add the lemon zest and yellow food coloring to the dry ingredients and stir to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate container, mix the water, lemon juice, vinegar, and canola oil. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is baking, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Cool and Frost: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Slice into 9 pieces and serve.
Notes
- This cake is surprisingly moist despite the absence of eggs and dairy in the batter.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- If you don’t have yellow food coloring, you can omit it; the cake will still taste great.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth frosting consistency.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
