This Martha Stewart Lemon Bundt Cake is a moist and zesty dessert, which uses fresh lemon juice and sour cream. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, perfect for brunch or holiday tables, serving 12.
Martha Stewart Lemon Bundt Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- Lemon syrup (for brushing after baking)

How To Make Martha Stewart Lemon Bundt Cake
- Preheat oven and prep pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, lemon zest, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add eggs and lemon juice: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in lemon juice.
- Add dry ingredients and sour cream: With mixer on low, alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until incorporated.
- Transfer batter to pan: Spoon batter into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan on the counter to level the batter.
- Bake the cake: Bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and apply syrup: Let cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool fully. Poke holes in the cake and brush with lemon syrup. Let sit 20 minutes if needed before brushing with remaining syrup.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better the next day after the syrup soaks in. - How to prevent sticking:
Grease and flour every crevice of the Bundt pan thoroughly. - Why sour cream in cake?
Sour cream adds richness and keeps the cake extra moist. - What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but zest is essential for the best flavor. - Can I freeze lemon Bundt cake?
Yes, freeze without syrup. Wrap tightly for up to 2 months.
What To Serve With Lemon Bundt Cake
This bright lemon cake pairs well with light, creamy, or fruity accompaniments:
- Whipped cream or lemon glaze
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Iced tea or lemonade
- Sparkling wine or prosecco

How To Store Lemon Bundt Cake
Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap the unsyruped cake tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and add syrup before serving.
Lemon Bundt Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~420 kcal per slice
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 38g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I need to use a Bundt pan?
Yes, the shape helps with even baking and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
Insufficient greasing or not cooling long enough can cause sticking.
Can I add blueberries to this recipe?
Yes, lightly coat berries in flour and fold in before baking.
What’s the best way to apply lemon syrup?
Poke holes with a skewer and brush slowly so it absorbs well.
Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s balanced with lemon tartness, but you can reduce sugar slightly if preferred.
Try More Recipes:
Martha Stewart Lemon Bundt Cake
Description
A moist, lemony cake brushed with syrup for bright flavor and perfect texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour Bundt pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Whisk flour, zest, soda, and salt.
- Add eggs and lemon juice.
- Alternate adding flour and sour cream. Mix just until combined.
- Pour into pan, smooth top, and bake 55–60 min.
- Cool in pan 30 min, then invert and cool completely.
- Poke cake and brush with lemon syrup before serving.
