Description
Looking for the best Lemon Cream Cake Recipe? This cake is easy, quick, and simple to prepare with fresh lemon flavor and creamy frosting. It is a healthy inspired dessert idea made with real ingredients and perfect for birthdays, brunches, spring gatherings, Easter, Mother’s Day, or weekend baking. Save this best lemon cake recipe for celebrations, family dinners, or whenever you want a bright homemade treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three 9 inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a bowl whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In a large bowl beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 3/4 cups sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add 4 eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1 cup milk beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined without overmixing.
- Divide batter evenly between pans about 2 cups per pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar then mix in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Beat until fluffy.
- Level cooled cakes if needed. Spread about 1 cup frosting between each layer and frost top and sides evenly. Chill 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cake tender.
- Chill frosting if it becomes too soft before spreading.
- Add extra lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor without thinning batter.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg