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Lemon Flake Cake AKA Moms Favorite Cake

This cake has been a cherished part of my family since the 1960s. My mom discovered the recipe at the Gold Crown Dining Room at Hallmark and brought it home, where it quickly became a tradition. For most of my life, it’s been my go-to birthday cake, and trust me—once you try it, it’ll be a favorite in your home, too!
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Ingredients
  

  • Cake:
  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 3 oz box lemon Jello
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • A dash of almond extract (trust me, it’s worth it!)
  • 4 large eggs
  • Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Set your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grease and flour a 9x13-inch glass baking dish—or take the easy route and use a baking spray with flour.
  • Mix It Up:
  • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, lemon Jello, oil, water, lemon extract, almond extract, and eggs. Now grab your electric mixer and beat everything together for 4 minutes. Yes, FOUR. This is your arm workout for the day.
  • Pour and Bake:
  • Pour the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing it out like a pro. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Get Glazy (While You Wait):
  • Five minutes before the cake is done, whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. This glaze is liquid gold—don’t skimp on the lemony goodness.
  • Poke, Glaze, and Marvel:
  • When the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes on the counter. Grab a wooden skewer or chopstick and poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1/2 inch apart. The more holes, the better the glaze soaks in! Slowly pour the glaze over the warm cake, making sure every corner gets its share.
  • Cool and Cover:
  • Tent the cake loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and makes it irresistible.
  • Serve and Celebrate:
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy. This cake has a way of turning every bite into a little party.

Notes

Want an extra pop of flavor? Garnish each slice with a bit of fresh lemon zest or even a dollop of whipped cream.
This Lemon Flake Cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a memory in the making.