Indulge in our Lemon Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. Just 5 easy steps for a moist, zesty treat that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion!

Lemon Cake Recipe: 5 Easy Steps, Guaranteed to Impress

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting requires the following ingredients:

For the Lemon Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined.
4. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then mix until the lemony fragrance infuses the batter.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Lemon Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until thoroughly combined and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and creamy.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble the Lemon Cake

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired, for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut the Lemon Cake into slices and serve with your favorite beverage.

Cooking Time and Servings

• Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour (including preparation and baking).
• Servings: This Lemon Cake Recipe yields about 12 servings.

Additional Tips

• Substitutions: For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond milk or a non-dairy alternative. Use coconut oil in place of vegetable oil for a subtle flavor twist.
• Variations: Enhance your Lemon Cake Recipe by adding poppy seeds or a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers.
• Storage Tips: Store the Lemon Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.

For more delectable cakes, you might want to check out our Vanilla Bean Cake Recipe or try something different like our Chocolate Lava Cake.

For more insights into baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking’s helpful guide on perfect cake baking. Additionally, explore Food Network’s classic recipes for more inspiration.

Call to Action

Try this Lemon Cake Recipe today and indulge in its refreshing flavors! Share your creation on social media with the hashtag #LemonCakeRecipe, or leave a comment below sharing your experience. Your feedback inspires us to create more delightful treats.

Your guests will love this Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so much, it’s bound to become a new favorite. Happy baking!
Certainly! Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQ) with answers related to the “Lemon Cake Recipe: 5 Easy Steps, Guaranteed to Impress”:

1. Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have fresh lemons on hand? Yes, you can substitute fresh lemons with bottled lemon juice. For the zest, you can use dried lemon peel available in spice aisles. However, for the best flavor and fragrance in your Lemon Cake, fresh lemons are recommended.
2. How do I know when my Lemon Cake is fully baked? The Lemon Cake should be baked at the specified temperature for about 25-30 minutes. To ensure it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready.
3. What are some tips for storing the Lemon Cake after baking?

Store your Lemon Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s best to refrigerate it. Wrapped tightly, the cake can also be frozen for up to a month.

4. How can I modify this Lemon Cake Recipe to be dairy-free or vegan? To make the Lemon Cake dairy-free or vegan, substitute plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the Cream Cheese Frosting, and replace eggs with flaxseeds or commercial egg replacers suited for baking.
5. What are some serving suggestions to enhance the Lemon Cake experience? For an impressive presentation, serve your Lemon Cake with a dollop of extra Cream Cheese Frosting on the side and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet to complement the citrus flavors.