Zesty Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Citrusy Delight

Photo byAngie Bright

When life gives you lemons, why not make cake? This lemon cake is the perfect blend of zesty brightness and smooth, rich texture, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a get-together, or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. Its light, fluffy layers are filled with tangy lemon flavor, and it's finished with a creamy lemon cheese frosting that adds just the right touch of decadence.

This lemon cake brings together the best of sweet and citrus. The fresh lemon juice and zest add a natural brightness that cuts through the richness of butter and cream cheese. Combined with the tender crumb of the cake, the result is a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. And with the added elegance of lemon slices for garnish, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Recipe: Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Lemon slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure an easy release.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice, allowing the vibrant lemon flavor to infuse the batter.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth, balanced batter. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cakes are perfectly baked.
8. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.For the Frosting:
9. While the cakes cool, prepare the lemon cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice to create a frosting that’s tangy and sweet.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a thick layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides.
12. For the final touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices and an optional drizzle of lemon juice.

The Perfect Lemon Cake for Any Occasion

This lemon cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tart. The combination of the light, fluffy cake with the rich, tangy lemon cream cheese frosting makes every bite irresistible. It’s not just about the flavor, though—the lemon slices on top add a decorative element that elevates the cake’s presentation.

Serve this lemon cake at your next gathering and watch as your guests rave about its refreshing citrus flavor and creamy frosting. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, coffee, or on its own, this cake is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Here are some reliable sources for the lemon cake recipe:

1. Live Well Bake Often provides a detailed and highly rated lemon cake recipe that includes fluffy cake layers and a tangy cream cheese frosting. The instructions also give you options for freezing and storing the cake, making it a great resource if you're planning to prepare ahead​Live Well Bake Often.
2. AllRecipes offers a simple lemon cake recipe that's perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. This recipe is praised for being moist, flavorful, and quick to make, with detailed step-by-step instructions​Allrecipes.
3. The Domestic Rebel has a "Best Ever Lemon Cake" recipe, which includes tips on how to achieve a light and fluffy texture. This recipe uses a combination of buttermilk and lemon curd filling for a richer, more decadent cake​The Domestic Rebel.

These resources should help you get the best results for your lemon cake!