Lemon Cream Cake is a light, refreshing dessert that combines the tangy zest of lemon with a smooth, creamy filling. The cake is perfect for spring and summer events or any time you want a citrusy treat. With layers of lemon-infused cake, creamy lemon filling, and a hint of lemon zest, this cake is both elegant and delicious. Here’s how to make it from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice added)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (if needed to adjust consistency)
For Garnish (optional):
- Lemon zest
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon slices
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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2. Make the Lemon Cream Filling:
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
3. Make the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
4. Assemble the Lemon Cream Cake:
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife if necessary to ensure even layers.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of lemon cream filling over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to level.
- Pour the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth out the glaze if needed.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the filling and glaze. This will also help the flavors meld together.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the cake with additional lemon zest, fresh mint leaves, and lemon slices if desired.
- Slice the cake with a sharp knife for clean cuts. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra lemony flavor, you can add a tablespoon of lemon curd to the cream filling.
- To ensure the cake layers are even, you can use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim the tops.
- If the lemon cream filling is too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before spreading it on the cake.
Conclusion:
Lemon Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs the bright flavor of lemon with a creamy, dreamy filling. Its light, fluffy cake layers and zesty glaze make it a refreshing choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer celebration or a simple indulgence, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every bite of this citrusy delight!