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Creamy Lemon Layer Cake with Zesty Frosting

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A bright and comforting lemon layer cake with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that is quick and easy to make, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • Zest of 3 medium lemons
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
  5. In a separate bowl, stir together milk, lemon zest (from 3 lemons), lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. On low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture in three parts and the wet mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides smoothly.
  11. Chill the assembled cake for 20 minutes if a firmer finish is desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Level cake layers if domed for stability. Can substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cake, creamy lemon cake, lemon layer cake, cream cheese frosting, zesty frosting, easy lemon cake, spring dessert, summer dessert

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-lemon-layer-cake-recipe-with-easy-zesty-frosting-tutorial/