Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe
Lemon Christmas Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring bright lemon zest and juice, balanced by tender cake and creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. The cake combines simple ingredients like butter, eggs, buttermilk, and flour for a soft texture. Fresh lemon provides natural vitamin C, while the frosting adds smooth richness, making this festive cake both cheerful and satisfying.
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.