SCRAPE any frosting off the cake. Optional: If you don’t like the browned cake edges, cut them off for a cleaner look.

SLICE the cake into 1-inch thick pieces.

CUT each cake piece into 1-inch cubes.

LAY the lemon cake cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Leave them on the counter for 24 to 48 hours so they can dry out. You can lightly drape a paper towel over them if you are concerned about dust or contamination while they dry.

WASH and dry a fresh lemon.       

ZEST the lemon with a microplane grater. Only get the yellow part of the peel and avoid the white pith.        

MEASURE the granulated sugar into a food processor. Scrape the lemon zest (oil, juice, and all) in with the sugar.        

PROCESS the sugar and lemon zest together until the zest is as fine as possible.        

SCRAPE the lemon sugar out of the container. You can use it right away or store it in an airtight container while the lemon cake cubes dry out.

PREHEAT the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.        

TRANSFER the dried lemon cake cubes into a large mixing bowl.        

MELT the butter or coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for about 20 seconds until completely melted.        

POUR the melted butter into the cake cubes. Stir to combine.        

USE a fork to break up any clumps in the lemon sugar. Toss with the sugar into the dried cubes and stir until they are evenly coated.        

LAY the lemon cake cubes on the lined baking sheet in a single layer.        

TOAST in the oven for 10 minutes. Stir and toast for another 10 minutes. Repeat another couple of times. The total toasting time should be about 30 to 40 minutes. Use your sense of sight and smell to know when they are done. They should be starting to visibly brown and get firm. If they haven’t browned yet, keep toasting.

REMOVE the pan from the oven and turn the oven off.

COOL the croutons completely. They will be crunchy once they have cooled.        

SNACK on them right away or use them to garnish a bowl of ice cream.