Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe brings bright citrus flavor to a festive table and delivers a moist sweet treat that tastes deeply satisfying.
I made this recipe because the cheerful lemon theme caught my attention during a holiday baking video that inspired me to try it myself.
The sunny colour and soft texture encouraged me to recreate the experience at home. I now plan to show the full process and guide others through each step so the result can shine beautifully.
Why You Will Choose Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe?
You will choose this Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe because its bright citrus fragrance and soft, moist crumb bring a cheerful lift to any holiday table.
The lively flavor creates a memorable experience that many guests enjoy from the first bite. Each forkful delivers a smooth balance of sweetness and freshness that feels both comforting and festive.
This cake invites joy, invites sharing, and easily becomes a beloved seasonal treat treasured by family and friends.
How To Prepare Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Holiday Cake
Cuisine: American
Yield: 16 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Mixing bowls
- Fine grater/zester
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Lemon Sheet Cake
- 3 cups cake flour (sift if needed)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
For The Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
1. Get The Pan And Oven Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment so the cake comes out easily later.
2. Cream The Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and airy. This usually takes about three minutes.
3. Mix In The Eggs And Lemon
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is blended.
4. Stir Together The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the cake flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Everything With The Buttermilk
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until the batter comes together avoid over mixing.
6. Bake The Cake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a rack before frosting.
7. Make The Frosting And Decorate
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting is silky and spreadable. Frost the cooled cake and decorate however you like. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Sugar | 48g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe
Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe brings a bright seasonal twist to traditional holiday baking by highlighting fresh citrus flavor and a soft, tender crumb.
This Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe delivers a light yet indulgent bite that stands out on any festive table. The main speciality of this recipe comes from its lively lemon notes paired with a creamy frosting that enhances every slice.
Each piece offers cheerful colour, gentle sweetness, and smooth texture that make the dessert memorable for gatherings and winter celebrations.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Cut the cake into small squares and top each piece with candied lemon slices for a festive touch.
2. Serve chilled and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday look.
3. Pair slices alongside fresh berries to enhance the bright citrus notes.
4. Add a drizzle of warm white chocolate sauce to create a rich, elegant finish.
5. Present the cake on a holiday platter decorated with rosemary sprigs for a cheerful seasonal display.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe
➢ Keep ingredients at room temperature to encourage a smooth, fluffy batter.
➢ Fold the flour gently to maintain a tender, airy crumb.
➢ Freshly grated zest boosts aroma and strengthens the bright citrus profile.
➢ Allow the baked layer to cool completely before spreading frosting to prevent melting.
➢ Sift confectioners’ sugar to achieve a silky, stable frosting that glides easily over the cake.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Healthy Nutrition Benefits Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe focus on light citrus elements and simple ingredients that offer gentle nourishment.
Fresh lemon contributes natural vitamin C, supporting immunity during the holiday season. Eggs supply steady protein, and buttermilk adds calcium for balanced strength.
The Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe texture creates a satisfying treat that can fit easily into a mindful dessert plan.
A modest slice delivers sweetness without heavy feeling, offering a refreshing option among richer seasonal bakes while still bringing comfort.
Proper Storage
Proper Storage Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe ensures freshness and flavor for several days. Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, keeping it fresh for up to a week. Frosted cake should remain chilled to maintain the texture of the cream cheese frosting.
Slices can also be individually wrapped and frozen for extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead Of Buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup to mimic buttermilk.
How Do I Prevent The Cake From Drying Out?
Avoid overtaking and ensure it is cooled completely before frosting. Store in an airtight container.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it can be baked a day or two in advance and frosted before serving.
Can I Use A Different Frosting?
Yes, butter cream or whipped cream frosting works well, but lemon cream cheese enhances flavor.
How Do I Make The Lemon Flavour Stronger?
Add extra lemon zest or a little more lemon juice to the batter or frosting for a brighter flavor.
Conclusion
I truly enjoyed the delicious success of making this easy Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe, and I hope you feel inspired to try it too.
Its bright lemon flavor and soft, festive texture make it a wonderful treat for any holiday celebration. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress.
Give Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe a try soon, and let me know how delicious your cake turns out once you’ve made it!
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Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Mixing bowls
- Fine grater/zester
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Lemon Sheet Cake
- 3 cups cake flour sift if needed
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
For The Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Get The Pan And Oven Ready
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment so the cake comes out easily later.
Cream The Butter And Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and airy. This usually takes about three minutes.
Mix In The Eggs And Lemon
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is blended.
Stir Together The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk the cake flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Everything With The Buttermilk
- With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until the batter comes together avoid over mixing.
Bake The Cake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a rack before frosting.
Make The Frosting And Decorate
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting is silky and spreadable. Frost the cooled cake and decorate however you like. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420 | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Carbohydrates: 62g | Sugar: 48g | Protein: 4g | Sodium: 190mg | Fiber: 1gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!