Description
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a zesty, light, and perfectly moist cake that bursts with fresh lemon flavor. The velvety smooth cake paired with rich, tangy lemon cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or a special treat, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by frosting one layer, placing the second layer on top, and frosting the entire cake. Garnish with extra lemon zest or slices if desired.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the frosting.
- Be sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth frosting.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon Velvet Cake, lemon cream cheese frosting, lemon cake, citrus dessert