Gooey Lemon Cake Recipe: A Decadent Citrus Dessert with Perfect Texture
This irresistible gooey lemon cake combines the bright flavors of fresh lemon with a luxuriously soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Perfect for lemon lovers, this dessert features a golden exterior that gives way to a delightfully gooey interior, creating the ultimate balance of textures. Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, this easy-to-make cake is ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or whenever you crave a special citrus treat.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Calories:
Approximately 320 kcal per serving
ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
For the Gooey Center:
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions——————
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper
Make the Batter:
Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in medium bowl
In separate bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined
Beat in eggs one at a time
Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla
Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour
Prepare Gooey Layer:
Whisk together condensed milk, lemon juice and zest
Pour half of cake batter into prepared pan
Spoon gooey mixture over batter, leaving 1/2-inch border
Top with remaining batter, sealing edges
Bake:
Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly
Cool in pan 15 minutes before transferring to wire rack
Make Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth
Drizzle over slightly warm cake
Sprinkle with lemon zest
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, but for best texture, bake the same day and add glaze just before serving.
2. Why is my cake not gooey enough?
Be careful not to overbake – remove when center still jiggles slightly.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for best flavor.
4. How should I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Tools You'll Need
8-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester
Juicer
Wire rack
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing
Don’t skip the parchment paper – it helps prevent sticking
For extra lemon flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
Test doneness by gently shaking pan – center should jiggle slightly
Let cool 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for presentation
Allergy Information
Contains: Gluten, dairy, eggs
Gluten-free option: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Dairy-free option: Substitute vegan butter and coconut condensed milk
Egg-free option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
Conclusion
This gooey lemon cake is truly a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. The contrast between the tender cake and luscious lemon center creates an unforgettable eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to special celebrations, this cake proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary results. We’d love to hear about your baking experience – share your creations and any creative twists you’ve tried! Happy baking!
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