Lemon Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
The Lemon Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is a culinary masterpiece that brings sunshine into every bite. Imagine fluffy lemon-infused layers, each one tender and moist, lovingly enveloped in a creamy, tangy frosting that dances on your palate. This delightful dessert isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a nostalgic journey back to childhood parties and family gatherings, where the sweet scent of freshly baked cakes fills the air. Easy to whip up yet devastatingly indulgent, this cake is perfect for any celebration or a simple family dessert night. The vivid lemon flavor is sure to please kids and adults alike, making this recipe a must-try in your baking repertoire.
What’s your favorite lemony treat?
Have you ever been graced with a slice of cake that made you weak in the knees? The kind where the soft, fluffy layers are just waiting to be paired with a velvety frosting? Think of that moment when friends and family gather around, eyes wide with eagerness as you slice into a perfectly layered Lemon Layer Cake. What if your next cake creation could be just that? This Lemon Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t merely a recipe; it’s a vessel for joyful moments—one that invites sweet-tooth cravings and creates heartwarming memories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this Lemon Layer Cake. First and foremost, its effortless preparation makes it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. With only a straightforward set of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert.
Additionally, this cake is wonderfully versatile, making it a favorite at birthday parties, summer picnics, or cozy family gatherings. The pleasing citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to over-the-top desserts, making it a hit among guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to bring this Lemon Layer Cake to life:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces and softened, plus more for greasing the pans
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 medium lemons, zest and juice needed
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract (optional for extra lemon punch)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened but cool
- Zest of 1 lemon, plus 1 thinly sliced lemon for decorating (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (add more as needed)
This combination of ingredients creates a vibrant cake enhanced by the fresh, zesty flavors of lemons, complemented by the rich cream cheese frosting.
Timing
When it comes to baking, there’s something intoxicating about the smell wafting through your home. The Lemon Layer Cake is fast enough to whip up after a long day but luxurious enough to make a special occasion truly unforgettable.
Expect about 15 minutes of prep time—just enough to savor the anticipation as you mix and prepare. Baking takes approximately 30 minutes, while cooling requires another 10 minutes before you can indulge in the deliciousness. While it may seem speedy, the result feels like an indulgent treat straight from a bakery.
Step-by-Step
To start your delicious journey with this Lemon Layer Cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring easy release after baking.
Next, zest and juice your lemons, setting aside a little zest for the frosting later on. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it becomes pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes of mixing. Add in the lemon zest and continue to mix for another 30 seconds to infuse the delicious lemon aroma into the batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, lemon juice, milk, and lemon extract (if using). Add the wet mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with milk until just combined.
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and with no sticky residue.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cake layers cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Finally, add the lemon juice and zest, whipping until light and silky—a frosting that perfectly balances sweet and tart.
Once the cake layers are cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a third of the creamy frosting on top before placing the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, ensuring every inch is enveloped in creamy goodness. For artistic flair, decorate with thin slices of lemon if desired.
For clean cuts of cake, refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature and watch as eyes widen with delight with each bite!
Nutritional Information
This decadent Lemon Layer Cake offers a blissful indulgence, boasting approximately 450 calories per slice. Yes, it’s rich, but a slice of happiness now and then deserves a little room in your diet. Enjoy this treat mindfully, and savor every luscious bite you take.
Healthier Alternatives
Trying to cut back on sugar or dairy? Consider low-sugar or dairy-free alternatives. You could use alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for the frosting, or substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia, adjusting the quantities accordingly. Whole grain flour may also be used instead of all-purpose for a slight boost in nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Layer Cake is versatile enough to shine in any setting. Serve it as a centerpiece on birthdays or special occasions, or pair a slice with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert that’s truly irresistible. It’s also a delightful choice for holiday gatherings, providing a bright, cheerful burst amidst richer, heavier desserts.
Common Mistakes
To keep your baking experience smooth, avoid these common pitfalls.
Overbaking is the most significant issue; keep an eye on the baking time so that the layers remain soft and moist. Texture issues can arise from overmixing the batter, so mix only until just combined. Lastly, prepare for a little mess if you forget to grease and flour your cake pans—trust me, it’s a disaster you’ll want to do everything to avoid!
Storing Tips
When storing your Lemon Layer Cake, the key is to keep it fresh without sacrificing flavor. If you need to store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To freeze portions, cut the cake into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked flavor.
Tempting Conclusion
If you haven’t already been convinced, let the allure of a homemade Lemon Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting whisk you away to the kitchen! With its tender layers, bright citrus flavor, and heavenly creamy frosting, this cake is bound to be a hit in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a dessert that will leave your loved ones begging for seconds (or even thirds!).
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can save time, fresh lemons create a flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers ahead and freeze them. Just frost it the day you plan to serve.
3. How do I avoid a dense cake?
Make sure to properly measure your flour, and do not overmix the batter—it’s key to a light, fluffy texture.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
Of course! Cream cheese frosting is delectable, but vanilla buttercream or whipped cream could work wonderfully too.
5. Is this cake suitable for special diets?
With a few substitutions, such as using gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese, this cake can be adapted for various dietary needs.
Now that you have all the tips and information right at your fingertips, it’s time to get baking—your Lemon Layer Cake adventure awaits!
