Sheet Lemon Cake - Moist & Simple

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

Classic sheet lemon cake with fresh lemon glaze. Ready in 30 minutes, super moist and easy to prepare. Perfect for large gatherings!
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sun, 06 Apr 2025 11:27:48 GMT
Sheet Pan Lemon Cake - Juicy and Simple Pin it
Sheet Pan Lemon Cake - Juicy and Simple | magichouserecipes.com

A hint of citrus scent fills the kitchen when this wonderfully moist sheet cake bakes in the oven. The perfect balance between fruity acidity and sweet notes makes it a timeless classic that enchants with its light texture and glossy lemon glaze. Moist lemon sheet cake - a classic.

Since I first baked this cake for my daughter's birthday party, it has been the most requested cake in our family. The combination of fluffy dough and fresh lemon aroma simply delights everyone. Popular lemon cake for family celebrations.

Key Ingredients for Moist Lemon Sheet Cake and Their Selection

  • Lemons: Untreated organic lemons for intense aroma and safe zest
  • Butter: Room temperature is essential for a smooth dough
  • Eggs: Also room temperature for better beating
  • Flour: Type 405 for a light texture

Detailed Step by Step Preparation for Moist Lemon Sheet Cake

Dough base
Beat butter until light and fluffy
Stir in sugar and eggs individually for optimal binding
Finely grate lemon zest and mix in immediately
Sift flour and baking powder for lump-free dough
Refine dough
Carefully incorporate lemon juice
Do not stir too long or the cake will become tough
Spread dough evenly on the baking sheet
Smooth surface for even baking
Lemon Sheet Cake – Simple, Moist and Delicious Pin it
Lemon Sheet Cake – Simple, Moist and Delicious | magichouserecipes.com

At our home, this lemon cake is the absolute favorite for spontaneous visits. The intense citrus aroma and moist consistency make it irresistible. Moist lemon cake for spontaneous visitors.

The Perfect Lemon Flavor for Lemon Cake

The trick lies in the combination of lemon zest and juice. I always grate the lemon directly over the dough so that the essential oils are not lost. For extra freshness, I sometimes add a bit of lime juice. Intense lemon flavor in the cake.

The Art of Glazing Lemon Cake

After years of experience, I know: The right time for the glaze is crucial. The cake should still be warm, but no longer hot. This way, the glaze absorbs optimally and forms a shiny layer. Perfect lemon glaze.

As a passionate baker, I can say: The simplicity makes this cake so special. Simple and moist lemon cake.

Lemon Sheet Cake – Fruity, Moist and Foolproof Pin it
Lemon Sheet Cake – Fruity, Moist and Foolproof | magichouserecipes.com

Variations and Adaptations for Lemon Cake

Over time, I have developed different versions:

With orange zest for a milder note
With chopped pistachios in the dough
With an additional cream cheese layer

Creative lemon cake variations.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Cake

The cake is perfect for:

Coffee gatherings with the family
School events and bake sales
Summer garden parties

Suitable occasions for lemon cake.

This lemon cake is more than just a recipe for me - it's a sweet memory of carefree afternoons with my grandmother, who often baked it for us. The recipe is one of her most valuable legacies in my baking collection. Personal note about the lemon cake recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake the cake without glaze?
Yes, but the glaze makes the cake especially moist and intensifies the lemon flavor.
→ How long does the cake keep?
In an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. In the refrigerator it stays fresh for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, without glaze for up to 3 months. Prepare the glaze fresh after thawing.
→ Why should I use organic lemons?
Organic lemons are untreated and better suited for zest, as there are no harmful substances in the peel.
→ How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
Add the lemon juice to the powdered sugar only drop by drop and stir well. The right consistency is thick like honey.

Moist Sheet Lemon Cake

A wonderfully moist sheet lemon cake with fresh lemon glaze - easily prepared and always a delight.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: European Baking

Yield: 16 Servings (1 sheet cake (12×16 inches/30×40 cm))

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the cake batter

01 6 large eggs, at room temperature
02 1 2/3 cups (320g) granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 packet vanilla sugar
04 1 1/2 cups (350g) unsalted butter, softened
05 2 3/4 cups (350g) all-purpose flour
06 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
07 2 organic lemons (juice and zest)

→ For the glaze

08 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
09 Colored sugar sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Wash the lemons thoroughly, especially if using organic ones for zest. Zest the lemons using a fine grater, then juice them and set both aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture and softened butter to the egg mixture, alternating between the two. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and zest until just combined.

Step 03

Spread the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (approximately 12×16 inches or 30×40 cm). Bake in a preheated oven at 340°F (170°C) with fan/convection for 20-25 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.

Step 04

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with just enough fresh lemon juice to create a thick, pourable glaze. Start with a tablespoon of juice and add more drops as needed until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 05

While the cake is still warm, poke it all over with a fork or wooden skewer. Pour the glaze evenly over the surface, using a spatula to spread it if necessary. If desired, immediately sprinkle with colored sugar decorations before the glaze sets.

Notes

  1. This cake tastes best when allowed to cool completely before slicing, giving the flavors time to develop and the glaze to set.
  2. Using organic lemons is highly recommended for the zest to avoid any pesticides or wax coatings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large rimmed baking sheet (12×16 inches/30×40 cm)
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer with beater attachments
  • Microplane or zester

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (wheat flour)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 14.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38.5 g
  • Protein: 4.3 g