Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
This sunny Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that will brighten any occasion. Its tender layers, paired with a creamy lemon frosting, create a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. This cake is ideal for birthdays, spring celebrations, or simply as a refreshing dessert to enjoy at home. With its vibrant flavor and appealing presentation, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and extracts creates a zesty flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and vegetable oil, this cake stays moist and fluffy.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for both casual gatherings and formal events; it suits any celebration.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed.
- Customizable Appearance: Add food coloring or garnish with fresh lemon slices for a festive look.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 2 9-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch cake pans: These ensure even baking and proper shape for the cake layers.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing easier and helps achieve a light, fluffy batter quickly.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
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 prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the following:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together until light and fluffy:
Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Butter-flavored shortening
Add in:
– Large eggs
– Vanilla extract
– Lemon extract
– Lemon zest
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alternate mixing the dry ingredients with buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Mix together white vinegar and hot lemon water. Stir this into your batter along with food coloring if desired.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until centers are just set.
Step 7: Cooling Time
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Then mix in extracts, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Frost cooled cake layers generously with your luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. Optionally garnish with fresh lemon slices for added flair.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a birthday party, a spring gathering, or just because, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
For a Festive Occasion
- Decorative Plates: Serve slices on colorful plates for a vibrant touch.
- Garnished Slices: Add lemon slices or zest on top of each piece for extra flair.
Pairing with Beverages
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea complements the cake’s citrus flavor beautifully.
- Sparkling Water: Light and bubbly, sparkling water enhances the cake without overpowering its taste.
Accompanying Fruits
- Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Citrus Segments: Orange or grapefruit segments bring an extra zing to each bite.
Adding Ice Cream
- Lemon Sorbet: This adds a cool, tart contrast that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Lemon Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour prevents lumps and makes the cake lighter and fluffier.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure cakes are completely cool to prevent melting the frosting.
- Adjust Sweetness of Frosting: Add lemon juice gradually if needed to achieve your desired sweetness level.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
When serving Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add a savory contrast that pairs well with dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a rich counterpart to the citrus notes in the cake.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits offer a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the sweet cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: The rich chocolate flavor contrasts beautifully with the lemon flavor profile.
- Pistachio Cookies: Nutty cookies add crunch and flavor harmony to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always let your ingredients sit at room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Combine your wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated for a tender texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents excess flour, which can make the cake dry.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Frosting a warm cake: Applying frosting on a warm cake can cause it to melt. Ensure your layers are completely cooled before frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftover Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- item It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags.
- item You can freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the bags!
Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover the cake with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds for quick warming.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have some questions about making this delicious cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
Can I use other flavors instead of lemon?
Absolutely! You can experiment with orange or lime extracts for different citrus flavors while maintaining the same technique.
How do I achieve the best texture for my Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?
Using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing your batter helps maintain a light and fluffy texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What type of food coloring should I use?
You can use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the consistency of your batter or frosting.
Is there an alternative to buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various citrus flavors or add fresh fruits as toppings. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its cheerful taste any time of year!
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the bright and refreshing delight of Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. This scrumptious cake features tender, fluffy layers infused with zesty lemon flavor, perfectly complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious finish. Ideal for celebrations or a sweet indulgence at home, this cake captures the essence of spring in every bite. With its vibrant yellow color and creamy texture, it promises to impress family and friends alike, making any occasion feel special.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 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, and butter-flavored shortening until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest; mix well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in white vinegar mixed with hot lemon water; add food coloring if desired.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy; add extracts, lemon zest, powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake layers generously with lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
