If you’re craving a lemon-flavored cake that bursts with zest and tang, you’re in the right place! This recipe for Luscious Lemon Layer Cake, straight from Preppy Kitchen, is not only flavorful but incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple dessert craving, this cake is sure to impress. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients for Luscious Lemon Layer Cake
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (room temperature)
- Zest of 2 medium lemons (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom for added flavor
Butter:
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
Instructions for Lemon Cake
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the cake.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, lemon zest, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set it aside for later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Optionally, you can add ground cardamom to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the butter is well incorporated. You’ll get a sandy, crumbly texture with no large lumps of butter.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Continue until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. Divide the batter evenly into two greased 8-inch round cake pans.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly pulling away from the pan.
- Cool the Cakes: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
To complement your luscious lemon cake, make the most incredible lemon cream cheese frosting!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 5–7 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions for Frosting:
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Alternate with lemon juice, tasting as you go to adjust the sweetness.
- Finish Frosting: Once the frosting reaches your desired consistency, set it aside. It should be smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the Luscious Lemon Layer Cake
- Frost the Cake Layers: Once the cake layers have cooled, place the first layer onto a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of lemon cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add Lemon Curd: For an extra burst of flavor, spread a thin layer of lemon curd on top of the frosting.
- Finish with Frosting: Add the remaining frosting to the top of the second cake layer, smoothing it out for a clean finish. Use a piping bag for decorative details if desired.
- Optional Decorations: You can decorate the top with more lemon curd or pipe a border around the cake for a polished look.
Serving Tips
- Cupcake Option: If you prefer cupcakes, use this same recipe and bake them for about 18–20 minutes. The batter will make about 20 cupcakes.
- Enjoying Your Cake: Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
Conclusion
This Luscious Lemon Layer Cake is perfect for any occasion and combines bright lemon flavor with a creamy frosting. Whether you make it as a traditional layer cake or as individual cupcakes, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
