Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to any occasion. With its soft, moist layers and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, spring celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon snack. The bright lemon flavor shines through, making every bite a refreshing experience. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a piece yourself, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Make the Frosting
• Step 8: Frost the Cake
• How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Serve with Whipped Cream
• Add a Citrus Salad
• Garnish with Lemon Slices
• Accompany with Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different extracts?
• How do I make my frosting thicker?
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What’s the best way to zest lemons?
• How do I know when my cake is done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and extracts creates a vibrant taste that bursts with citrus goodness.
• Moist Texture: Buttermilk and oil keep the cake tender and moist, ensuring each slice melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, so anyone can create this stunning dessert.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events—this cake fits right in.
• Gorgeous Presentation: Decorate with lemon slices or edible flowers for an eye-catching finish that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand simplifies the process and enhances your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pans: These ensure even baking and help create perfectly shaped layers for stacking.
• Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process and ensures ingredients are well-blended for a light, fluffy batter.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without trapping moisture, keeping them light and fluffy.

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 (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup cake flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening

Add:

• 2 large eggs

Blend in:

• 1–2 tsp vanilla extract

Add:

• 1 tbsp lemon extract

And:

• 1 heaping tsp lemon zest

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients alternating with:

• 1 cup buttermilk

Continue mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture

Mix together:

• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

And:

• Hot lemon water mixture (from above)

Stir this into the batter along with any yellow food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes until centers are set. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

For frosting, beat together:

• 16 oz softened cream cheese

And:

• 8 tbsp softened unsalted butter

Once fluffy, blend in:

• And other extracts (as listed above).

Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice if necessary.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Frost cooled layers generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Decorate with fresh lemon slices 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 can elevate any occasion. The bright flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful centerpiece for gatherings, parties, or even a casual tea time.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Their sweetness complements the tartness of lemon.
• Raspberries: Adds a nice contrast with their slight tang.
• Blueberries: These provide a burst of flavor that pairs well with the cake.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop can enhance the cake’s richness without overpowering its flavor.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or citrus-infused variants for an extra zest.

Add a Citrus Salad

• Mixed Greens: Tossed with citrus slices, this salad offers a refreshing balance to the sweet cake.
• Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your dessert table.

Garnish with Lemon Slices

• Fresh Lemon Slices: Placing them on top adds visual appeal and an extra zing.
• Candied Lemon Slices: These provide a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the frosting.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

• Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot notes complement the lemon flavor perfectly.
• Espresso: Its boldness balances out the sweetness of the cake.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve perfection in your Lemon Velvet Cake, consider these helpful tips for baking and decorating.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: This helps create a lighter cake by aerating the flour and removing lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Chill Your Frosting: If it’s too soft, refrigerate it briefly before spreading for easier application.
• Decorate Creatively: Use lemon zest or edible flowers for added beauty and freshness on top of your frosted cake.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Velvet Cake can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cake.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to offer creamy, rich flavors alongside dessert.
4. Pasta Salad: A lemon-infused pasta salad can echo the citrus theme beautifully.
5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky flavor enhances the zesty notes from the cake.
6. Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice dish can be an excellent side to round out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and making a perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping ingredient room temperature: Using cold eggs and butter can lead to a dense cake. Always allow these ingredients to sit at room temperature for better mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Incorrectly measured flour can ruin your cake’s texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Opening the oven door too early or baking for too long can affect the rise and moisture of your cake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
• Using stale baking powder: If your baking powder is old, it may not provide enough lift. Always check expiration dates before use.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place cake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered skillet over low heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, read on!

Can I use different extracts?

Yes! You can substitute lemon extract with orange or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

To achieve thicker frosting, add powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a gluten-free version.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or zester tool to get fine zest without the bitter white pith underneath.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached but no wet batter.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding various fruits or even adjusting the sweetness of the frosting. This sunny dessert is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try and enjoy its refreshing flavor!