Lemon Cake Recipe
This Lemon Cake Recipe is a soft, moist, and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it delivers a naturally tangy taste in every bite. The combination of butter, oil, and buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while the creamy lemon cream cheese frosting adds richness and smooth texture.
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Lemon Cake Batter
- 180 g 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
- 113 g ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 30 ml 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 7 g 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1.25 g ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1.25 g ¼ tsp salt
- 5 ml 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 240 ml 1 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, or olive)
- 320 ml 1⅓ cups buttermilk or whole milk
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 225 g 1 cup butter, softened
- 225 g 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 540 –600 g 4½–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 15 –30 ml 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Lemon Glaze (For Assembling)
- 120 g 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 22 ml 1½ tbsp lemon juice or lemon zest
- 15 ml 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
Get The Oven And Pans Ready
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare The Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Cream The Butter, Sugar, And Eggs
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add The Flavor And Liquids
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, oil, and buttermilk. Mix until everything is well blended.
Make The Batter
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until the batter is smooth, being careful not to over mix.
Bake The Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Frost And Finish
- Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top. Drizzle with lemon glaze, slice, and enjoy.