Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
This delicious Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brightens any gathering. With its moist layers and zesty frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, spring celebrations, or just a sunny afternoon at home. The balanced sweetness and tang of lemon make it a standout dessert that will leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The bright lemon flavor shines through in both the cake and frosting.
- Moist Texture: This cake’s velvety consistency melts in your mouth, making it irresistible.
- Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or any celebration, this cake fits right in.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can impress with this recipe.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color and garnishes make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started on your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Two 9-inch cake pans
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly for a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate ingredients easily during preparation.
- Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients gently without deflating your cake batter.
Ingredients
This sunny lemon velvet cake is pure citrus bliss! The tender cake layers and luscious lemon cream cheese frosting make for the ultimate taste of springtime.
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon extract
- 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
- 4-6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
- 4-5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the following:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, beat together:
Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Butter-flavored shortening
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Lemon extract
Lemon zest
Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alternate mixing in the dry ingredients with buttermilk into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Add Vinegar and Hot Water
Mix together white vinegar and hot lemon water. Stir this mixture into the batter along with yellow food coloring if desired.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until the centers are just set.
Step 7: Cool Down Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Frost cooled cake layers generously with your lemon cream cheese frosting. Consider garnishing with fresh lemon slices for an extra pop of color!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this stunning Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
This delightful Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a spring brunch, serving it just right can elevate your dessert experience.
Garnish with Fresh Fruits
- Lemon Slices: Add thin lemon slices on top for a vibrant and zesty look.
- Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the lemon flavor beautifully.
Pair with Tea or Coffee
- Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot flavor in Earl Grey pairs well with citrus desserts.
- Cappuccino: A creamy cappuccino balances the sweetness of the cake.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and contrast to the cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: For those who love a citrus burst, lemon sorbet enhances the cake’s flavor.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mini Pastries: Include assorted mini pastries to provide variety alongside your cake.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add a touch of luxury to your dessert spread.
How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results when making this cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly zest your lemons: Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor in both the cake and frosting.
- Boldly measure ingredients accurately: Correct measurements ensure the perfect texture and taste.
- Boldly cool completely before frosting: Allow cakes to cool fully; otherwise, the frosting may melt.
- Boldly use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix smoothly and create a fluffier frosting.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving side dishes alongside your Lemon Velvet Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the cake.
- Scones with Clotted Cream: These rich scones pair perfectly for an elegant tea-time experience.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds freshness and acidity that contrasts nicely with the cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offer savory bites alongside sweet dessert.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche brings a hearty option that works well during brunch.
- Mimosas: Sparkling mimosas add a festive touch while enhancing the citrus theme of your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix evenly and results in a fluffier cake.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure proper ingredient amounts for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir until just combined, especially when adding dry ingredients to wet ones.
- Skipping the cooling stage: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. If they’re still warm, the frosting can melt and slide off.
- Using stale baking soda/powder: Check expiration dates on your leavening agents. Fresh baking soda and powder ensure your cake rises beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Lemon Velvet Cake in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on medium power until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have some questions about making this delicious cake, here are answers to common inquiries.
How do I make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting moist?
To keep your cake moist, use buttermilk and don’t overbake it. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Ensure you grease and flour your pans thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for added insurance.
What’s the best way to decorate my Lemon Velvet Cake?
Use lemon slices or zest as garnish. You could also add edible flowers or sprinkles for a festive touch!
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only beautiful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding berries or using different extracts to enhance its flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to bring joy to any gathering!
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake features moist, tender layers infused with bright lemon flavor, complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting. The refreshing and zesty notes make it an ideal treat for birthdays, spring celebrations, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures you’ll impress your family and friends with every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, vegetable oil, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Alternate mixing the dry ingredients with buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Mix white vinegar with hot lemon water and stir into the batter along with yellow food coloring if desired.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes until set.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting made by beating softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
