Healthier Lemon Cake 🍋✨
A light, moist, and naturally sweetened lemon cake with just the right amount of tangy citrus flavor. This version is lower in sugar, butter, and refined flour — yet still incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Cake Ingredients:
½ cup (115 g) melted butter
¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (150 g) coconut sugar or cane sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
2 cups (240 g) whole wheat or spelt flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
¾ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt
Lemon Soak:
¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tbsp (15 g) honey or maple syrup
This light soak adds brightness and moisture without overpowering the cake.
Lemon Glaze:
¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
1½–2 tbsp (22–30 ml) lemon juice or water
Use less liquid for a thick, creamy consistency that stays on top of the cake.
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, Greek yogurt, salt, sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
Whisk in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet, then stir in the remaining Greek yogurt until just combined. Don’t overmix.Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the middle of the oven for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Add the Lemon Soak
While the cake is still slightly warm, mix the lemon juice and honey.
Pour the soak evenly over the cake and allow it to absorb fully.Finish with the Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice (or water) until thick and smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices, if desired.
Health Benefits:
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, Greek yogurt adds protein, and whole wheat or spelt flour brings fiber. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup for a more mindful treat.
