Lemon Cream Cake – Light, Fluffy, and Bursting with Citrus!
There’s nothing quite like a slice of Lemon Cream Cake to brighten your day. With its soft, fluffy layers and a creamy lemon filling, this delightful dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a refreshing treat, this cake is bound to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this citrusy masterpiece:
Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese), softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Thin lemon slices or zest for garnish
Required Kitchen Tools
To ensure your Lemon Cream Cake turns out perfect, gather these tools before you start:
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Fine grater or zester
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Cake knife or serrated knife for leveling (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is key to a light, airy cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until incorporated—don’t overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Lemon Cream Filling
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, level them if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of lemon cream over it, then top with the second layer. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest or slices.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure better blending and a smoother batter.
- Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest intensifies the citrus flavor without adding too much tartness.
- Chill before serving: Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour for best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Value (Approximate Per Slice – based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugars: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact brands and measurements used.
Conclusion: Try This Bright and Creamy Delight Today!
This Lemon Cream Cake is everything you want in a dessert—light, fluffy, tangy, and full of citrus sunshine. Whether served at a garden party, birthday celebration, or simply as a sweet weekend treat, it’s sure to become a favorite. With just the right amount of tart lemon and sweet creaminess, it’s a cake that feels indulgent but refreshingly light.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, zest those lemons, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate experience!