Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring with its bright and zesty flavor. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just an afternoon indulgence, this cake stands out with its moist texture and rich frosting. The combination of lemon zest and cream cheese creates a refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The zesty lemon adds a refreshing taste that brings joy to any occasion.
- Moist Texture: Each bite of this cake is soft and tender, making it incredibly enjoyable.
- Versatile Occasion: Great for birthdays, spring gatherings, or as a delightful everyday dessert.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow frosting makes this cake visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your lemon velvet cake, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures your batter becomes light and fluffy by thoroughly mixing ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- Wire rack: Helps cool your cakes evenly to avoid sogginess or uneven texture.
Ingredients
This sunny lemon velvet cake is pure citrus bliss! The tender cake layers and luscious lemon cream cheese frosting make for the ultimate taste of springtime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cake flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
– 2 large eggs
– 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp lemon extract
– 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 tsp white vinegar
– 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
– 4-6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
– 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
– 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
– 4-5 cups powdered sugar
– 1-2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
– 4-5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the following:
All-purpose flour
Cake flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together until light and fluffy:
Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Butter-flavored shortening
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Lemon extract
Lemon zest
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture
Combine white vinegar with hot lemon water in a separate bowl. Stir this mixture into the batter along with food coloring if desired.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until centers are just set.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
For the frosting, beat together:
Cream cheese
Unsalted butter
Continue mixing in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once cooled, frost each layer of your cake with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with slices of lemon if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this refreshing dessert that will impress your guests.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of lemon velvet cake on a decorative plate, allowing the vibrant yellow hue to shine.
With Fresh Berries
- Top each slice with a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and tartness.
Elegant Layered Presentation
- Stack two slices at an angle on a cake stand for an eye-catching presentation. This showcases the beautiful layers and frosting.
Garnished with Mint
- Add a sprig of fresh mint alongside the cake slice for an aromatic touch that complements the lemon flavor.
Decorative Lemon Slices
- Garnish each serving with thin lemon slices for a pop of brightness and an extra zing of flavor.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet on the side to add creaminess and contrast the cake’s texture.
How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results with your lemon velvet cake, consider these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
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Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents dense cakes caused by too much flour.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake tender and light without developing too much gluten.
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Check doneness properly: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs for perfect doneness.
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Cool completely before frosting: Allow cakes to cool entirely on wire racks before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
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Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement your lemon velvet cake beautifully.
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Light Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness without overwhelming flavors.
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Fruit Salad: A bowl of seasonal fruits like strawberries, melons, and kiwi provides sweetness and balances the richness of the cake.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing frozen treat is perfect after the rich flavors of cake, cleansing the palate.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well; try brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch.
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Scones: Light scones served warm can be a great addition, especially if they have hints of citrus flavor.
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Herbed Quinoa: A light quinoa dish seasoned with herbs adds nourishment without overshadowing the dessert’s sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast against the zesty cake.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats offer both sweetness and elegance, making them perfect alongside lemon desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts for your cake.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine ingredients until just mixed for light, fluffy layers.
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Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can affect how the batter rises. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
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Skipping the cooling process: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a perfect finish.
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Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to check that your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the slice on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm slowly for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delicious dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable oil, but it may slightly change the texture of your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Greasing and flouring your cake pans properly will help prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper at the bottom of each pan for extra protection.
Can I add fruit to this cake?
Absolutely! Fresh berries or lemon slices make great additions or garnishes for your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.
How long does this cake last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake stays fresh for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of springtime. Its bright flavors and moist texture make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness of the frosting!
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a refreshing dessert that perfectly embodies the essence of spring. This moist cake features a delightful blend of zesty lemon flavor and creamy frosting, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to brighten your afternoon. The tender layers are complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds richness and elegance to each slice. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an everyday treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant color and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon extract
- 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
- 4–6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
- 4–5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, shortening, eggs, lemon extract, and zest until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in a vinegar mixture of white vinegar and hot lemon water along with any food coloring if desired.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until set.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar.
- Frost cooled cakes generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
