Description
This Lemon Layer Cake is a soft, moist lemon cake layered with creamy lemon frosting and fresh citrus flavor in every bite. Made with lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and cream cheese frosting, this homemade lemon layer cake is perfect for birthdays, spring parties, Easter dessert tables, and anyone craving a bright and elegant lemon dessert recipe.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream, and mix just until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
12. Place one cake layer on a plate and spread frosting over the top.
13. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
14. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice will not taste as vibrant.
Make sure the cake layers are fully cool before frosting so the frosting stays smooth and thick.
For extra lemon flavor, spread a thin layer of lemon curd between the cake layers before adding frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg