Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake

Name: Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; Zest of 2 lemons; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love baking this Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake, which perfectly combines the tangy zest of lemons with the subtle earthiness of thyme. The unique flavor profile has made it a favorite in my family, especially during spring gatherings. I enjoy the balance of brightness from the citrus and the herbaceous notes that thyme provides. This cake is not only a delight to eat but also a conversation starter. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for this recipe again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T23:09:27.657Z

Baking the Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake was a delightful experience for me. I found that incorporating fresh thyme really elevated the flavor, and the aroma filled my kitchen beautifully. I like to let the ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing, which helps the cake rise evenly and results in a soft, moist texture.

As I sifted the flour, I realized the importance of using high-quality, organic ingredients. The zest of real lemons paired with the fresh thyme gives an unexpected twist that transforms an ordinary cake into something extraordinary. It’s a simple recipe yet provides a gourmet feel that everyone loves!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Bright citrus flavors combined with earthy thyme notes
Moist texture that stays fresh for days
Versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions

      

The Role of Thyme in Baking

Thyme is commonly associated with savory dishes, but its ability to provide a subtle depth of flavor makes it an excellent addition to desserts, particularly in this Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake. The earthiness of thyme rounds out the brightness of the lemon, creating a complex taste that keeps your palate intrigued. When using fresh thyme, make sure to chop it finely to release its fragrant oils, ensuring that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake.

One of the challenges of incorporating thyme into baked goods is striking the right balance. If you add too much, it can overpower the sweetness. I recommend sticking to the recipe’s guideline of one tablespoon; it’s just enough to impart that enchanting aroma without overshadowing the lemon. Additionally, this fragrant herb works best in cakes that are moist, as its flavor can diminish in drier versions.

Perfecting the Cake's Texture

Achieving a moist and fluffy texture is crucial for any cake, and this recipe does just that through a well-balanced ingredient mix. The combination of buttermilk and softened butter not only provides moisture but also contributes to enriching fat content, critical for a tender crumb. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—beat until the mixture is light and fluffy; this process incorporates air, helping the cake rise evenly.

Another critical tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake due to gluten development. Mix just until you see no more streaks of flour, and the batter is well-combined. A smooth, slightly thick batter is what you’re aiming for before baking, as it leads to a delightful texture that holds up well to the lemon glaze.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for the best results.

Steps

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in lemon zest, thyme, and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry mixture.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a glaze.

Glaze and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake with a cup of tea!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, let the cake sit overnight before serving to allow the thyme to infuse more into the cake.

Serving Suggestions

The Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a fresh twist, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet. You can also enhance the herbaceous flavor by adding a sprig of fresh thyme on top, which not only looks elegant but also reinforces the cake's unique flavor profile. This cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with fruit compotes or citrus coulis, especially for festive occasions.

If you're looking to share this cake or bring it to a gathering, consider slicing it into smaller pieces and serving individual portions. Dusting with powdered sugar right before serving gives it a charming touch and brightens up the presentation. The contrast of textures, from the soft cake to the smooth glaze, creates a delightful dessert experience for your guests, encouraging everyone to come back for more!

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great aspects of the Lemon Thyme Pisces Cake is that it can be made ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you plan to serve it for a special occasion, consider baking the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist, and store it at room temperature. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier when it's time to serve.

You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time. Simply mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, give it a quick stir to reincorporate any separation. Glazing the cake just before serving ensures that each bite has that delightful tang and sweetness, maintaining a fresh appeal that your guests will love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about one-third of the amount since dried thyme is more concentrated in flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.