Low Sugar Lemon Bundt Cake

Total time1 hr 45 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time55 min

Bright lemon juice and zest do all the heavy lifting here, giving this Bundt cake its bold citrus punch in both the crumb and the glaze on top. Sour cream and a touch of applesauce keep the texture rich and moist, while a spoonful of white wine vinegar reacts with the batter for a soft, tender rise. The result is a golden, ridged cake with a fine, close crumb that slices beautifully and holds its shape after a good soak of glaze down the sides. Fresh lemon zest folded into that glaze adds one more layer of citrus aroma right before serving. It's an easy make-ahead bake that fits neatly into an added sugar free routine, whether you're serving it for brunch or an afternoon treat. Every bite stays bright, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup sour cream
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2–3 lemons)
2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2–3 lemons)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp white wine vinegar

For the glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
3–4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with softened butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

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