Description
This lemon layer cake is a bright, zesty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick breakfast treat to elegant dinner ideas. With soft, fluffy layers infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, and a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth, it’s an easy recipe that delivers bakery-quality results. Whether you’re looking for fresh food ideas or a show-stopping dessert, this cake brings a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing gently until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
7. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla.
9. Add heavy cream gradually and whip until fluffy.
10. Assemble cake by layering frosting between each layer and covering the entire cake.
Notes
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Chill the cake briefly before final frosting for a cleaner finish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon cake, easy dessert, citrus cake, layer cake, homemade cake