A rustic lemon and semolina cake with powdered sugar dusting

Lemon desserts

lemon and semolina cake

By Ellie Baker

Published: 19 Mar 2025

This lemon and semolina cake is a delightful treat – light, zesty, and surprisingly easy to make! I first stumbled upon this recipe while on a trip to Italy, and it instantly became one of my favorites. There's something comforting about the texture, and the bright lemon flavor is utterly refreshing. It's perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon tea party, or even just a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. It's one of those recipes that's easily adaptable for your taste; want more lemon, go for it!
Close up of a slice of lemon semolina cake on a plate
Why is this recipe so special? Well, the semolina adds a unique texture – slightly grainy and a bit like a really fine crumb. It's also wonderfully moist, which is something I always look for in a cake. And the lemon? Oh, the lemon! It perfectly balances the subtle sweetness of the cake, preventing it from being cloying, which is something i absolutely hate in desserts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll understand the magic.
A whole lemon semolina cake on a cooling rack

Required Equipments

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking pan (9x13 inch)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Toothpick

Lemon-and-Semolina-Cake

This delightful lemon and semolina cake is incredibly moist and easy to make, with a bright, refreshing flavor that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of semolina and lemon creates a unique texture and taste you won't forget!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Don't skip this step; it prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup later!
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of semolina flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Get that whisk working to make sure everything is evenly distributed! (You know, like a real pro.)
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Remember to crack those eggs gently—no shell fragments allowed!
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a rubber spatula or electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to a tough cake, and trust me, nobody wants that.
  5. Zest the lemon, then juice it. Add the lemon zest and about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter (adjust to taste). Give it another gentle stir. Now, doesn't that smell amazing?
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. It should be pretty easy to do this; if not, that extra tablespoon of milk may be a lifesaver!
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you're not sure, give it a few more minutes!
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is the hardest part...but crucial for preventing crumbling!
  9. Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar and serve! Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. This cake is seriously addictive – you’ve been warned!

📝 Notes

  • Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won't give you the right rise.
  • If your buttermilk is a bit thick, you might want to add a tablespoon or two of milk to make it more pourable.
  • For an extra special touch, consider adding a glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice once the cake has cooled.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Protein: 7g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 50g

Fiber: 3g

Calcium: 100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of baking is not just in the finished product, but in the process itself. It's a time to slow down, focus, and create something delicious with your own hands.

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