The bright, zesty delight of lemon meets the irresistible texture of a classic bundt cake in this Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe. If you’ve ever wished for a homemade version of that perfectly moist cake adorned with luscious cream cheese frosting, you’re in for a treat. This recipe captures the essence of the original, with a tender crumb infused with fresh lemon juice and a frosting so creamy it melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving some sunshine on a plate, this lemon bundt cake will quickly become your go-to sweet indulgence.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bringing this Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe to life starts with ingredients that are both simple and powerful. Each one plays a vital role in creating the luscious texture, vibrant lemon flavor, and rich cream cheese frosting you’ll fall in love with.

Lemon cake mix: The base of our cake providing a moist, fluffy texture with a punch of lemon flavor.
Instant pudding mix (3.4 oz): Helps keep the cake incredibly moist and tender throughout.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances lemon’s brightness.
Large eggs (4): Bind and provide structure for the perfect crumb.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft without weighing it down.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): The star ingredient delivering authentic, zesty lemon flavor.
Water (1/4 cup): Helps ensure the batter is smooth and easy to pour.
Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): Essential for the silky frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, room temperature): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out the flavor of the frosting beautifully.

How to Make Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and thoroughly spraying your bundt pan with baking spray to ensure your cake releases easily. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, instant pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, and water. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined. The pudding mix will keep this cake incredibly moist, while the fresh lemon juice gives that authentic zing you want.

Step 2: Bake Your Bundt Cake to Perfection

Pour your batter carefully into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The aromatic lemon scent filling your kitchen is a lovely bonus!

Step 3: Cool and Freeze Before Frosting

Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then gently flip it out onto a plate to cool further. Wrap the cake tightly with Press and Seal or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer overnight. This step helps firm up the cake so it will handle frosting beautifully without crumbling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

About an hour before frosting, set out your unsalted butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Using your mixer, beat the butter and vanilla extract first, then gradually add the cream cheese and mix until smooth. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid a snowy dust explosion, until your frosting is creamy and luscious.

Step 5: Pipe the Signature Frosting Stripes

Prepare a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (a 1A tip works wonderfully). Fill the bag with frosting, twist the top to secure, and start piping vertical stripes of frosting from the bottom edge up over the top of the bundt cake, letting each line break softly into the middle hole. Keep your piping tip just off the cake surface to keep those iconic smooth frosting stripes. Finish by spreading the remaining frosting neatly inside the cake’s hole.

How to Serve Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your beautifully frosted cake by adding thin lemon zest curls or a few edible flowers atop the frosting stripes. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint leaves can introduce an unexpected refreshing pop that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your lemon bundt cake alongside a light, fruity salad or a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of vanilla. A cup of herbal tea or a tangy berry compote also pairs wonderfully, creating a bright and balanced dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, place the cake on a vintage cake stand decorated with lemon slices around the base. Alternatively, slice and stack smaller bundt cakes for a playful tiered dessert display that will impress guests and spark conversations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe, store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting’s cream cheese base means keeping it cool preserves freshness and prevents spoilage for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before frosting to keep it fresh for up to three months. When ready to frost, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before decorating.

Reheating

If you prefer a soft, warm slice, microwave leftovers in 10-second increments until just slightly warmed—too much heat can affect the lovely texture of the frosting. Alternatively, enjoy it cold for a refreshingly cool treat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! While this Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe shines with the convenience of box mix, a homemade lemon cake batter can work wonderfully if you want to go fully from scratch. Just ensure it has similar moisture levels for best results.

Why do I need to freeze the cake before frosting?

Freezing the cake helps it firm up and reduces crumbling when applying frosting. The thickness and softness of this lemon bundt cake make this step crucial for smooth, clean frosting lines characteristic of Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with another frosting?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with lemon bundt cakes due to its rich tang. You can opt for a simple lemon glaze or whipped cream frosting, but you’ll miss that signature creamy texture and balanced flavor this recipe delivers.

Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?

Yes! The bundt cake is great for sharing, and you can double the recipe for bigger gatherings using two bundt pans. Just keep an eye on baking time, as thicker batter in a larger pan might need some extra minutes.

How do I achieve the perfect frosting stripes like Nothing Bundt Cakes?

Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe vertical lines from the base to the top of the cake without pressing the tip against the cake’s surface. Practice a bit of gentle pressure for consistent smooth stripes that break softly into the center hole.

Final Thoughts

Getting to recreate the magic of a beloved bakery treat from your own kitchen is incredibly rewarding, and this Nothing Bundt Cakes Lemon Copycat Recipe does just that. The combination of tangy lemon, moist cake, and indulgent cream cheese frosting is nothing short of irresistible. I encourage you to bake this soon, share it with loved ones, and savor every delicious slice!