Description

This Lemon Layer Cake is a refreshing, zesty dessert with fluffy cake layers and a rich, creamy lemon cream cheese buttercream. The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this cake is perfect for any celebration or as a bright treat to satisfy your citrus cravings.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Layer Cake:

3 1/4 Cups (344g) cake flour, sifted before measuring

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 Cups (410g) white granulated sugar

4 eggs, room temperature

1/3 Cup (75g) sour cream, room temperature

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp pure lemon extract

1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (about 1 small lemon)

1 1/4 Cups (300ml) whole milk, room temperature

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Buttercream:

1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature

16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature (brick-style, not spreadable)

8 Cups (960g) powdered sugar

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 small lemon)

1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add lemon juice and salt, mixing until frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Once cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

Flavor Enhancements: Add more lemon zest or extract to increase the lemon flavor.
Optional Add-ins: For extra texture, add berries or candied lemon peel between layers.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American