Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its bright, zesty flavor and soft, velvety texture make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a spring picnic, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cake delivers sunshine in every bite. With its luscious frosting and moist layers, you’ll find it hard to resist a second slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon cake and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to the buttermilk and the careful mixing of ingredients.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or casual afternoon teas; this cake suits any celebration.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe without stress.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color and creamy frosting make for a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools for an efficient baking experience. Having everything at hand will make preparing your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting smooth sailing.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch cake pans (2)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch cake pans: These provide the perfect size for even baking and easy layering of your cake.
• Electric mixer: It helps achieve fluffy batter quickly, saving time and effort in mixing.
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling the cakes evenly without trapping steam, maintaining their 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.

For the Cake

• 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)

For the Frosting

• 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 so they are ready for the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:
all-purpose flour,
cake flour,
baking soda,
baking powder,
salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
granulated sugar,
vegetable oil,
butter-flavored shortening,
eggs,
vanilla extract,
lemon extract,
lemon zest until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar and Hot Lemon Water

Mix together white vinegar and hot lemon water. Stir this into the batter along with food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes until centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in extracts, zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, frost each layer generously with lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Enjoy your delightful Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, spring gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake shines bright on any dessert table.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the tartness of the lemon.
• Blueberries: Their juicy flavor adds an extra burst of freshness.
• Raspberries: A touch of tartness enhances the overall citrus flavor.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic and creamy, it balances the cake’s tanginess beautifully.
• Lemon Sorbet: For an extra zing, lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast.
• Coconut Ice Cream: The tropical notes of coconut pair wonderfully with lemon.

Garnish with Citrus Fruits

• Lemon Slices: Thin slices can be used as a garnish for visual appeal and flavor.
• Candied Orange Peel: Adds sweetness and texture to each slice served.
• Grapefruit Segments: A unique twist that combines sweet and bitter notes.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it enhances the cake without overpowering it.
• Flavored Whipped Toppings: Consider vanilla or citrus-infused cream for added zest.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid dense cake by spooning flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Ensure cakes are entirely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
• Taste Your Frosting: Adjust sweetness and acidity by adding more lemon juice or sugar based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas that will work beautifully together.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
3. Lemonade: A refreshing drink that echoes the flavors in the cake.
4. Salad Greens: A simple green salad dressed lightly can cleanse the palate between bites.
5. Pound Cake Slices: Another layer of sweetness that pairs nicely without overshadowing the lemon flavor.
6. Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate offers a decadent counterpart to the zesty cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can prevent your batter from mixing properly. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Packed flour can lead to dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Removing the cakes from pans too early can cause them to break. Let them cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Underestimating frosting quantity: Running out of frosting can leave your cake looking bare. Make sure to prepare enough frosting to cover and decorate your cake adequately.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover lemon velvet cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure it’s well-wrapped.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.

How do I store leftover lemon velvet cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time. Just frost when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for lemon extracts?

You can use more lemon zest or freshly squeezed lemon juice if you prefer a natural flavor without extracts.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a fantastic dessert that brings joy and brightness to any occasion. Its moist layers paired with creamy frosting make it perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying at home. Feel free to customize it by adding berries or using different citrus flavors. Try this recipe and delight your family and friends!