Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brightens up any occasion. The vibrant lemon flavor combined with the creamy frosting makes it perfect for birthdays, spring gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence. With its light texture and refreshing taste, this cake stands out as a must-try dessert that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon brings a burst of freshness to each bite, making it an ideal dessert for warm days.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or afternoon tea, this cake suits any celebration.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delicious cake.
• Decadent Frosting: The rich lemon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish and elevates the overall taste.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Decorate with fresh lemon slices for a stunning visual appeal that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather all your tools to ensure a smooth process. Using the right equipment helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture for the batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; these tools help maintain consistency.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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 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:
* Granulated sugar
* Vegetable oil
* Butter-flavored shortening
* Eggs
Add:
* Vanilla extract
* Lemon extract
* Lemon zest

Continue beating until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with:
* Buttermilk
Stir until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar and Water Mixture

Mix together:
* White vinegar
* Hot lemon water
Then stir this into the batter along with food coloring if using.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or 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: Make Frosting

For the frosting, beat together:
* Cream cheese
* Unsalted butter
Until fluffy. Then mix in:
* Vanilla extract
* Lemon extract
* Lemon zest
Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, frost each layer of the cake with your luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired.

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

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful lemon velvet cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you want to enhance its citrusy flavor or create a beautiful presentation, here are some serving suggestions.

Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and freshness, making your dessert even more appealing.

Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top enhances the cake’s richness and provides a light contrast to the dense frosting.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla or lemon sorbet complements the cake beautifully, offering a creamy texture that balances the tangy flavors.

Lemon Curd

• Serve with a side of lemon curd for an extra citrus punch; it’s great for drizzling over each slice.

Mint Leaves

• Garnishing with fresh mint leaves adds an aromatic touch and a pop of color that brightens up your dessert table.

Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cake with a cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the overall experience, especially during afternoon gatherings.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect lemon velvet cake is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder removes lumps and aerates them for a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents dense cakes; you want to keep the air in.
• Cool cakes completely before frosting: This step prevents the frosting from melting and ensures better presentation.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar gradually until you achieve your desired flavor.
• Add zest to both cake and frosting: Extra lemon zest intensifies the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.

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

Lemon velvet cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that enhances the cake’s citrus notes.
2. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a savory contrast that balances sweetness.
3. Savory Quiche – A light vegetable quiche serves as a delightful contrast and rounds out your meal nicely.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches – These offer a refreshing crunch that pairs well with rich desserts like this cake.
5. Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette echoes the lemon theme while providing hearty satisfaction.
6. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add vibrant flavors and colors.
7. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies can provide a savory balance alongside this sweet treat.
8. Mini Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a delicate cake like lemon velvet. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can lead to a dense cake. Always bring them to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can develop gluten and make your cake tough. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Skipping the zest: Lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; fresh zest makes all the difference in taste.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your recipe. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes earlier than suggested to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover lemon velvet cake in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover it, and warm slices for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making lemon velvet cake with lemon cream cheese frosting.

How do I make my Lemon Velvet Cake more moist?

Adding buttermilk and hot lemon water helps retain moisture. Ensure you don’t overbake your cake as well.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese. Just ensure it’s softened well so that it mixes smoothly into the frosting.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make homemade buttermilk by mixing regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice in equal parts and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this Lemon Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve them for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding berries or other citrus flavors if desired. It’s perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful zing of lemon!