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–+ servings
Lemon Cake
This Lemon Cake Mix Cake reflects the mid-20th-century American fondness for convenience baking, when boxed cake mixes and gelatin desserts became kitchen staples. By combining lemon cake mix with lemon gelatin, oil, and eggs, home bakers achieved a reliably moist cake with bright citrus flavor and a tender crumb. The technique of poking holes and adding a lemon-sugar icing allows the sweet-tart syrup to soak into the cake, creating a distinctive texture and bold lemon finish. Simple, economical, and vibrant in flavor, this cake stands out for its balance of ease and indulgence, delivering a refreshingly zesty dessert that feels both practical and celebratory.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling and Frosting 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg lemon cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 pkg lemon gelatin
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp real lemon juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Batter

  • In a large bowl, add the lemon cake mix.
  • Add eggs and vegetable oil.

Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin

  • In a separate bowl, dissolve lemon gelatin in hot water.

Step 3: Combine

  • Pour gelatin mixture into cake batter.
  • Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
  • Bake according to cake mix package directions.

Step 5: Poke Cake

  • Remove cake from oven when baked through.
  • Poke holes evenly across the top of the cake.

Step 6: Make Icing

  • In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until pourable.

Step 7: Ice Cake

  • Pour icing over warm cake.
  • Spread gently so icing runs into the holes.
  • Nutritional Value (per serving)

Tips

  • Use fresh lemon zest for extra aroma
  • Substitute part of the oil with melted butter for richer flavor
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the batter
  • Top with whipped cream before serving
  • Garnish with lemon slices
  • Use a bundt pan for presentation
  • Chill cake for a firmer texture
  • Add poppy seeds to the batter

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword citrus cake, easy cake, lemon dessert, poke cake, retro recipe, vintage baking
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