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Delicious Lemon Layer Cake with Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender lemon layer cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses simple ingredients and fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and dust with flour. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three batches alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  8. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull slightly from pans.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low to avoid sugar cloud.
  12. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice until combined.
  13. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting over top.
  14. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  15. Chill cake for 20 minutes, then optionally apply a second frosting layer for a smooth finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake. Fresh lemon zest is essential for bright flavor. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored wrapped tightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cake, lemon layer cake, cream cheese frosting, easy lemon cake, homemade cake, lemon dessert, layer cake recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/delicious-lemon-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/