Are you craving a burst of sunshine on your plate? Then look no further! This Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Pudding recipe is the perfect easy recipe for a deliciously moist and zesty cake that's surprisingly simple to make. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe uses a cake mix as a base, elevating it to a whole new level of flavor with the addition of creamy lemon pudding. It's the ideal quick dinner dessert or a delightful treat for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant homemade cooking creation!
Ingredients:
- One box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- One (3.4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your cake doesn't stick and allows for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the water, oil, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Make sure the lemon zest is finely grated for a smooth texture in the cake.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the cake mix and lemon pudding mix to the wet ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter will be thick. Don't overmix; this prevents a tough cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) and slicing. This allows the cake to set properly, preventing crumbling.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Fresh is Best: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will significantly enhance the lemon flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. Every oven is slightly different.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
Variations:
- Add Berries: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a delightful fruity twist.
- Lemon Glaze: Make a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with lemon cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific brands of cake mix and pudding used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients. However, expect this recipe to be a relatively moderate source of carbohydrates and fat, with a decent amount of protein.
This Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Pudding recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals from simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and satisfying dessert. Enjoy!