Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake

Name: Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of one lemon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’m excited to share my Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake recipe with you! This delightful treat combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the earthy aroma of thyme, resulting in a cake that's both refreshing and unique. It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. I find that the use of fresh thyme elevates the flavor profile, bringing an unexpected twist that has everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this cake will become a favorite in no time!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:17:27.881Z

When I first made this Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would meld together. But the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had created something special. Lemon's tartness beautifully complements the herbal notes of thyme, making each slice a delightful experience. I recommend using fresh thyme from your garden for the best flavor.

What surprised me the most was the moist texture of the cake, which I attribute to a careful balance of ingredients. If you’re worried about the cake being too dense, make sure to properly aerate your flour and not to over-mix the batter. It truly makes all the difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor balanced with aromatic thyme
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture
A unique twist that impresses friends and family

      

Understanding the Flavor Balance

The combination of lemon and thyme is a hallmark of this recipe, creating an interesting flavor profile that is both refreshing and aromatic. Lemon's acidity balances perfectly with the subtle earthy notes of thyme, elevating the cake beyond traditional lemon desserts. This pairing not only enhances the taste but also adds an unexpected twist that can surprise and delight your guests.

Using fresh thyme is crucial here. Dried thyme lacks the vibrancy and essential oils that fresh leaves provide. I suggest removing the leaves from the stem gently, as bruising them releases even more of their aromatic oils. This will ensure their flavor fully infuses into the batter, rather than being only a hint in the background.

Baking Techniques for Success

When it comes to achieving the ideal texture for the Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake, proper creaminess when blending the butter and sugar is key. Aim for a paler shade and airy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing with an electric mixer. This process incorporates air, which will make your cake light and fluffy.

Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly during mixing. This ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of dry flour or unblended butter from affecting the final texture. The batter should be just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake, which we want to avoid.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of one lemon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavor

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the lemon juice and zest. Mix in the fresh thyme.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest for the glaze.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top and serve.

Pro Tips

For a more intense thyme flavor, consider adding a few extra leaves to the cake batter. Additionally, serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Storage Tips

Once your cake is fully cooled and glazed, store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its moisture. It can last for about 3-4 days without losing its fluffy texture. If you live in a hot climate, consider refrigerating it to extend its lifespan, but be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes alter the cake’s moisture level.

If you’d like to enjoy this cake later, freezing is an option! Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze it before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs exceptionally well with a cup of herbal tea, especially something floral like chamomile or a citrus blend, which complements the lemony notes beautifully. For a more decadent experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side, which adds creaminess against the cake's zesty flavor.

For added texture, you could also sprinkle some candied lemon peel or toasted nuts on top of the glaze before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your cake but adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with its soft crumb.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake keeps well and flavors develop over time.

→ Is it possible to freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.