Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe is a layered cake featuring tender lemon flavoured cake, creamy lemon filling, and smooth lemon frosting.
This delicious cake combines sweet and tangy flavours that create a delightful dessert experience. I made this Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe after seeing how it was prepared and feeling inspired by the process.
I will now present the ingredients, preparation, and step by step instructions to recreate this flavourful, visually appealing cake at home.
About This Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe
The Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe is a layered dessert inspired by the classic New Orleans Doberge cake, famous for its multiple thin cake layers filled with rich custard or cream.
This version features a bright, tangy lemon filling and smooth lemon cream cheese frosting, creating a refreshing citrus flavor.
Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe speciality lies in the delicate, moist layers that soak up the lemon custard, giving every bite a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
The Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe elegant, layered presentation makes it ideal for celebrations or special occasions.
How To Prepare Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe?
Recipe overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: New Orleans
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (preferably 3)
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Ingredients
For The Lemon Cake Layers
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Crisco white shortening
For The Lemon Filling
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 drops yellow food coloring
For The Lemon Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 ½–4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
How To Make Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe?
Step 1: Warm The Oven And Prep Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper if you prefer.
Step 2: Whip Up The Lemon Cake Batter
In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a bigger bowl, cream the butter, Crisco, and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Now alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake The Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Make The Lemon Filling
In a small saucepan, mix together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly stir in the water, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Take it off the heat and mix in the butter, lemon peel, lemon juice, egg yolks, and a little yellow food colouring if you want that extra sunny colour. Let it cool before using.
Step 5: Prepare The Lemon Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon extract. Keep beating until it’s light and fluffy. If it feels too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, a splash of cream will do the trick.
Step 6: Put The Cake Together
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of lemon filling on top. Repeat with the next layers, leaving the top layer plain. Then cover the entire cake with the lemon frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula so it looks neat.
Step 7: Chill And Serve
Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes so the frosting sets nicely. Slice it with a sharp knife and enjoy your bright, zesty Lemon Doberge Cake!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Sugars | 35 g |
Pro Tips And Tricks
➣ Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, even batter and consistent cake texture.
➣Sift flour and other dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and keep the cake light and fluffy.
➣ Use a sharp serrated knife to level cake layers for precise, even stacking.
➣ Chill the lemon filling before spreading to avoid it running between layers.
➣ Beat frosting slowly at first, then increase speed for a creamy, airy consistency that spreads easily.

Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve chilled slices alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a refreshing dessert experience.
2. Top each slice with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance flavor and presentation.
3. Pair small cake squares with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant afternoon treat.
4. Layer slices on a dessert platter for parties or gatherings, creating a visually appealing centrepiece.
5. Drizzle a thin lemon glaze over individual servings to add extra tang and shine.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe offers surprising health benefits despite being a dessert. The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a good source of vitamin C, supporting immunity and skin health.
Eggs contribute high quality protein and essential nutrients like choline. Buttermilk adds calcium and probiotics, promoting strong bones and digestive wellness.
Using real butter and cream cheese supplies healthy fats in moderation, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
The combination of these ingredients delivers a balance of energy, nutrients, and a naturally uplifting citrus flavor.
Why This Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe stands out because it combines multiple layers of moist lemon cake, rich lemon filling, and creamy frosting, creating a balanced flavor in every bite.
Each component complements the others, producing a dessert that is both light and indulgent. The detailed instructions ensure consistent results, and the ingredients are accessible.
Following this Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe delivers a visually stunning and flavourful cake that satisfies cravings and impresses guests every time.
Proper Storage
Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from softening.
Keep the Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe covered to avoid absorbing other flavours from the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to five days.
For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to two months. Allow the cake to reach room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes A Doberge Cake Different From A Regular Layered Cake?
A Doberge cake features multiple ultra thin layers separated by custard or cream, giving it a moist, delicate texture compared to standard layered cakes.
Can I Make The Lemon Filling Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the lemon filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling.
How Many Layers Should A Lemon Doberge Cake Have?
Traditionally, 5–6 layers work best to achieve the signature multi layered effect, but 3–4 layers are also acceptable.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In The Frosting?
Heavy cream can replace milk, and part of the butter can be swapped with cream cheese to adjust flavor and texture.
Conclusion
I had an easy and enjoyable experience making this Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe, and the delicious results were truly satisfying.
The layers of moist lemon cake, creamy lemon filling, and smooth frosting made every bite a delight. I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself.
Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe simple to make, rewarding, and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to bake it and share how wonderfully delicious it turns out!
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Lemon Doberge Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (preferably 3)
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Ingredients
For The Lemon Cake Layers
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Crisco white shortening
For The Lemon Filling
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 egg yolks lightly beaten
- 2 drops yellow food coloring
For The Lemon Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 ½ –4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
Step 1: Warm The Oven And Prep Pans
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper if you prefer.
Step 2: Whip Up The Lemon Cake Batter
- In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a bigger bowl, cream the butter, Crisco, and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Now alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake The Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Make The Lemon Filling
- In a small saucepan, mix together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly stir in the water, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Take it off the heat and mix in the butter, lemon peel, lemon juice, egg yolks, and a little yellow food colouring if you want that extra sunny colour. Let it cool before using.
Step 5: Prepare The Lemon Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon extract. Keep beating until it’s light and fluffy. If it feels too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, a splash of cream will do the trick.
Step 6: Put The Cake Together
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of lemon filling on top. Repeat with the next layers, leaving the top layer plain. Then cover the entire cake with the lemon frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula so it looks neat.
Step 7: Chill And Serve
- Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes so the frosting sets nicely. Slice it with a sharp knife and enjoy your bright, zesty Lemon Doberge Cake!
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 410 kcal | Carbohydrates: 55 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 90 mg | Sodium: 180 mg | Sugars: 35 g
Hi, 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!