This easy gâteau au citron et à la crème fraîche combines the bright freshness of lemon with the creamy richness of crème fraîche for a perfectly balanced flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or just craving something simple and soft, this recipe is a winner.

I first made this gâteau italien au citron et à la crème fraîche on a rainy afternoon when I needed a little sunshine on my plate. The aroma of lemon zest filled the kitchen, and from that moment, it became one of my favorite go-to desserts.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Serves 8 people.
You can easily double the recipe for a larger cake or halve it for a smaller gathering.

Ingredients

200 g all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
120 g sugar (or honey for a lighter sweetness)
100 g unsalted butter, melted
150 g crème fraîche (you can use Greek yogurt if needed)
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or a few drops of orange blossom water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a cake pan (round or loaf style).
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk eggs and sugar: In another bowl, beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy.
Add liquids: Stir in melted butter, crème fraîche, lemon zest, and lemon juice (mix gently).
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture (stir slowly to avoid lumps).
Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let it rest for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely before serving.

Tips & Helpful Notes

For extra moistness, brush the warm cake with a little lemon syrup.
Replace lemon with orange for a gâteau à l’orange version.
A touch of yogurt can substitute crème fraîche if needed.
Always use fresh lemons for the best citron dessert flavor.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty finish.

What to Care For / Avoid

Don’t overmix the batter or the cake may turn dense.
Avoid overbaking; it should be moist and soft inside.
Use fresh crème fraîche, not sour cream, for authentic texture.
Keep an eye on baking time—every oven is different.

Pairings / Serving Suggestions

This gâteau au citron avec crème fraîche pairs beautifully with:

Fresh berries or raspberry coulis
Whipped cream or lemon glaze
A cup of Earl Grey tea or espresso

It tastes best slightly warm or at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Seasonal Relevance

Perfect for spring and summer when lemons are fresh and fragrant. Also makes a lovely gâteau d’anniversaire au citron for birthdays or family gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 270 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 14 g

Variations

Try making a cake au citron moelleux by adding a spoon of olive oil for extra softness.
Replace lemon with orange juice for a recette de gâteau à l’orange facile.
Add poppy seeds for a fun texture twist.
Make mini versions for tea parties or lunch boxes.

Common Questions

1. Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. It stays moist thanks to the crème fraîche.

2. Can I use yogurt instead of crème fraîche?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well for a lighter texture.

3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp cornstarch for stability.

Conclusion

Give this gâteau au citron à la crème fraîche a try and enjoy its soft texture, creamy richness, and delicate lemon flavor. It’s a simple, heartwarming dessert that feels special every single time. Perfect for any occasion or simply when you need a slice of sunshine on your plate.