3-Ingredient Guilt-Free Lemon Cake

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3-Ingredient Guilt-Free Lemon Cake

Prep time: 5 mins | Bake time: 30-35 mins | Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

  • 1 box (approx. 15 oz) Lemon Cake Mix: Use any standard brand.

  • 1 container (approx. 12 oz) Fat-Free Greek Yogurt: Plain or Lemon flavored both work beautifully.

  • 1/2 cup Water: This helps adjust the consistency.

(Optional for the frosting shown in the image: Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice for a simple glaze, or use a light whipped topping.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a loaf pan (like the one in the photo) or a standard 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.

  2. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, empty the lemon cake mix. Add the yogurt and the water.

  3. Mix: Stir by hand or use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter will be thicker than a traditional cake batter—this is normal!

  4. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

    • Loaf Pan: Bake for 30–35 minutes.

    • 9×13 Pan: Bake for 25–28 minutes.

  5. Test: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

  6. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing or adding any optional frosting.

Why This Works & Tips

  • No Oil or Eggs: The Greek yogurt replaces the oil and eggs found in traditional cake recipes, significantly reducing the calorie and fat content while providing a protein boost.

  • Texture: This cake is denser and more moist, similar to a “pound cake” or a lemon bar texture.

  • Zest it Up: For an extra punch of flavor, zest one fresh lemon into the batter before baking.

  • The Look: To get the look in the photo, use a piping bag with a star tip to apply a light cream cheese frosting or whipped topping once the cake is fully cooled.

A Quick Health Note

While this recipe is a great way to enjoy a “lighter” dessert, it still contains sugar from the cake mix. It’s a wonderful addition to a balanced lifestyle, but as with all treats, enjoying it in moderation is key.

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