This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to any occasion. Its tender cake layers, combined with the tangy and creamy frosting, create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether it’s a birthday party, a spring gathering, or just a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color and refreshing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and extracts gives the cake a bright and zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Moist Texture: With buttermilk in the batter, each slice of this cake is incredibly moist and tender.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Frosting: The lemon cream cheese frosting can be adjusted with more or less lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright yellow color and optional garnish make for an impressive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch cake pans: These are essential for achieving the perfect layer height for your cake.
- Electric mixer: A must-have for whipping the batter and frosting to fluffy perfection quickly.
- Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
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)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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 mixing bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Cake flour
* Baking soda
* Baking powder
* Salt
This combination will provide the structure for your cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together:
* Granulated sugar
* Vegetable oil
* Butter-flavored shortening
* Eggs
* Vanilla extract
* Lemon extract
* Lemon zest
Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture
Mix white vinegar with hot lemon water in a separate bowl. Stir this into your batter along with food coloring if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes until centers are set.
Step 7: Cool Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add:
* Vanilla extract
* Lemon extract
* Lemon zest
And then mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled, frost each layer with generous amounts of lemon cream cheese frosting. Optionally garnish with fresh lemon slices or herbs before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert!
How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is an opportunity to make it even more delightful. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these serving suggestions will enhance its sunny flavor and appeal.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh burst of flavor and complement the cake’s sweetness.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast to the rich frosting.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla or lemon sorbet ice cream pairs wonderfully, creating a creamy texture that balances the cake.
Garnish with Lemon Slices
- Thin lemon slices not only make an attractive garnish but also provide an extra citrus kick to each slice.
Enjoy with Tea or Lemonade
- A warm cup of tea or chilled lemonade enhances the refreshing flavor profile of the cake, perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Create Mini Cakes
- For individual servings, bake the cake in muffin tins. Frost each mini cake for a fun twist that’s easy to serve.
How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Lemon Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter for better texture.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients removes lumps and ensures even mixing, leading to a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An incorrectly calibrated oven can affect baking times.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool fully on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the frosting by adding different extracts like almond or coconut for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Lemon Velvet Cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that enhance its citrus flavor. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory option that complements dessert nicely.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and is a great palate cleanser between bites of cake.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement the sweet notes in the lemon cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse creates an indulgent pairing that contrasts with the lightness of lemon.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet is refreshing and ties in well with the lemony theme of your dessert.
- Pistachio Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and makes for an interesting accompaniment alongside your slice of cake.
- Iced Tea: Serve chilled iced tea, infused with mint or lemon, as a refreshing beverage option that pairs well with dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can spoil your efforts. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong flour: Ensure you measure and use both all-purpose and cake flour as specified. This combination gives the cake its unique texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy texture you want.
- Not leveling the cakes: If your cakes dome while baking, they may not stack well. Trim the tops before frosting for even layers.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cakes towards the end of the baking time. Every oven is different, so check for doneness early.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- The Lemon Velvet Cake can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Lemon Velvet Cake special?
The combination of all-purpose flour, cake flour, and plenty of lemon zest creates a moist and flavorful dessert that stands out.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to frost them.
How do I achieve the best frosting consistency?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
Can I customize this Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds or blueberries for a twist on flavor, or substitute other extracts if you prefer.
What should I serve with this cake?
Consider pairing it with fresh berries or lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor that complements the lemon essence.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. From birthdays to casual gatherings, it brings brightness to any table. Feel free to experiment with flavors or decorations to make it uniquely yours!
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the sunshine of our Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert boasts tender, moist layers infused with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness with a tangy twist. Perfect for birthdays, spring gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this vibrant cake not only looks stunning but tastes exquisite. Each bite is a burst of citrus bliss that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests impressed. Easy to make and customizable to your preference, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease 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, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture with buttermilk until just combined.
- Mix white vinegar with hot lemon water; add to the batter along with food coloring if desired.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until set.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy; gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost each layer generously and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
