Description
A moist, protein-packed lemon cake bursting with vibrant citrus flavor, made with Greek yogurt and whey protein for muscle recovery. Perfect for post-workout treats or a guilt-free dessert, this cake balances tangy lemon notes with a light, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) whey protein powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tbsp)
- Juice of 3 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- Glaze: 1 cup (115g) confectioners’ sugar
- Glaze: 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Glaze: 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, whey protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, applesauce, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (30 minutes).
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: Mix confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice and yogurt (if using) until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or powdered sugar.
- Pour glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour and protein powder.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative (e.g., soy yogurt).
- Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: high protein cake, lemon dessert, protein-rich baking, healthy treat, guilt-free cake