Homemade Lemon Cake Mix From Scratch

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This homemade lemon cake mix recipe promises to take your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary. With just the right balance of zesty tang and sweet indulgence, this recipe will have you sinking your teeth into a moist and fluffy lemon-infused cake, bursting with vibrant flavors. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a bakery-worthy masterpiece in the comfort of your own home. The best part? This recipe substitutes easily for one box of cake mix and I'll show you ways you can adapt it to your dietary needs.

Benefits of making homemade cake mix

When it comes to baking, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Making your own homemade cake mix not only allows you to control the quality of ingredients but also gives you the freedom to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or needs. Here are some key benefits of making homemade cake mix:

Quality Ingredients

By making your own cake mix, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can choose to use organic flour, real vanilla extract, and fresh lemons for a truly superior taste.

No preservatives or additives

Store-bought cake mixes often contain preservatives and additives to prolong their shelf life. When you make your own mix, you can avoid these unnecessary additives and enjoy a healthier dessert.

Cost Effective

Making your own cake mix can be more cost-effective in the long run. You can buy ingredients in bulk and use them to make multiple batches of cake mix, saving money compared to buying pre-packaged mixes.

Customization

One of the biggest advantages of making your own cake mix is the ability to customize the flavors. With this homemade lemon cake mix recipe, you can add extra lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor or incorporate other ingredients like blueberries or poppy seeds to create unique variations.

Ingredients needed for the homemade lemon cake mix

To create the perfect homemade lemon cake mix, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cup flour-2 tablespoon + 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cup superfine sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons

Step-by-step instructions for making the lemon cake mix

To make the mix:

1. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Pour into a gallon sized bag.
2. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and zest of two lemons. Place into a quart or sandwich sized bag.
3. Place the smaller bag inside the larger bag and seal. Label and place into the freezer. Mix will freeze for up to two months.

Tips for storing the homemade cake mix

Your cake mix will freeze for up to two months. Since it has fresh lemon zest in it, it will need to be frozen to ensure the longevity and freshness of your homemade lemon cake mix. here are a few tips for proper storage:

Airtight container:

Store the cake mix in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent moisture from getting in and affecting the quality of the mix.

Cool, dry place:

Keep the cake mix in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it near a heat source as it can cause the ingredients to spoil or lose their flavor.

Date labeling:

Always label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness. Use the oldest mix first to ensure you're using the freshest ingredients.

Regularly check for spoilage:

Before using the cake mix, give it a quick visual inspection. If you notice any signs of mold, discoloration, or an off odor, discard the mix and prepare a fresh batch.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy fresh and delicious lemon cake whenever the craving strikes.

Baking options using the lemon cake mix

When you're ready to make your mix into cake, here are the ingredients and instrructions for doing that. To your cake mix you will add:

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup milk (substitutes okay)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup lemon juice

To make your cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan or 2 8" round pans
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter.
3. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla and lemon juice to the bowl and continue mixing until combined. Add the flour mixture and continue stirring until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan or the two 8" inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes for the 8" round pans or 25-30 minutes for the 9x13 inch pan.

Other baking options for your cake mix could be:

Lemon Cake:

The most straightforward option is to bake a classic lemon cake. Simply follow the instructions above. Bake the cake in a preheated oven according to the recommended baking time. Once it's done, let it cool before frosting or glazing it with your favorite lemon-infused icing.

Lemon cupcakes:

For individual servings, turn your lemon cake mix into delightful lemon cupcakes. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Prepare the cupcakes using the method above. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes. Once they're done, let them cool before adding frosting or a lemon drizzle.

Lemon loaf:

Transform your lemon cake mix into a moist and flavorful lemon loaf. Prepare the mix according to the directions above. Grease and flour a loaf pan, then pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Once it's done, let it cool before slicing and serving.

These are just a few of the many baking options you can explore with this homemade lemon cake mix. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different shapes, sizes, and frostings to create your signature lemon-infused dessert.

Soda pop cake

If you're looking for a simple and easy cake mix to make, it doesn't get any easier than putting this dry lemon cake mix and a can of soda in a bowl and mixing it up to make a delicious soda pop cake recipe!

Adding a personal touch to the lemon cake mix

While this homemade lemon cake mix recipe is delicious on its own, you can add a personal touch to make it even more special. Here are a few ideas to elevate your lemon cake mix:

Citrus glaze:

Whip up a tangy citrus glaze by combining powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drizzle it over the warm cake or cupcakes for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

Lemon cream cheese frosting:

For a creamy and tangy twist, make a lemon cream cheese frosting using cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest. Spread it generously over your cake or cupcakes for a decadent treat.

Lemon curd filling:

Create a surprise burst of flavor by adding a lemon curd filling to your cake or cupcakes. Simply make or buy lemon curd and spread it between the layers or fill the cupcakes using a piping bag.

Garnish with fresh berries:

Top your lemon cake or cupcakes with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Not only will they add a pop of color, but they'll also complement the tangy lemon flavor.

Lemon cake mix recipe variations

While this homemade lemon cake mix recipe is delightful on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to create unique flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Lemon poppy seed cake:

Add a tablespoon or two of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Blueberry lemon cake:

Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness that pair perfectly with the lemon flavor.

Lemon coconut cake:

Add a cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. Top the cake with a coconut cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence.

Lemon lavendar cake:

Infuse the batter with a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers for a floral and aromatic twist. Pair it with a lemon cream cheese frosting for a delightful combination.

These are just a few variations you can try with this homemade lemon cake mix recipe. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions about homemade cake mixes

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Make sure to follow the package instructions and adjust the measurements accordingly.

Can I make a larger batch of the homemade lemon cake mix?

Absolutely! Simply double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of the cake mix. Store the excess in separate airtight containers or bags.

Can I freeze the homemade cake mix?

Yes, I would highly recommend it since your mix includes fresh lemon zest. you can freeze the cake mix for even longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Can I use this homemade cake mix for other flavors?

While this recipe specifically focuses on lemon cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors by substituting the lemon zest and juice with other fruit flavors like orange, lime, or even strawberry. I also have other cake mixes available including chocolate cake mix and yellow cake mix.

Can I use this homemade cake mix for cupcakes?

Absolutely! This homemade lemon cake mix can be used to make delicious lemon cupcakes. Simply follow the baking instructions for cupcakes and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Adapted from Live Strong