Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a spring gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake offers a moist and tender texture complemented by creamy frosting. With its bright lemon zest and luscious layers, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and extracts creates a refreshing taste that brightens any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake with ease.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just a cheerful afternoon treat, this cake fits any celebration.
• Moist Texture: Each slice is incredibly moist thanks to the buttermilk and oil, ensuring it stays delicious for days.
• Impressive Presentation: Layered with creamy lemon frosting and optional garnishes, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to make everything easier. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth experience in preparing your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 x 9-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating ingredients together, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare dry ingredients separately from wet ones for better mixing.
• Wire Rack: Cooling the cakes on a wire rack helps prevent sogginess by allowing air to circulate around them.

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. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the following:
* All-purpose flour
* Cake flour
* Baking soda
* Baking powder
* Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
* Granulated sugar
* Vegetable oil
* Butter-flavored shortening
* Eggs
* Vanilla extract
* Lemon extract
* Lemon zest

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mix

Mix the white vinegar with hot lemon water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into your batter along with food coloring if you’re using it.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Frosting

To prepare the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Once cooled, frost each layer of your cake generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with slices of fresh lemon if desired.

Enjoy every bite of your freshly baked Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

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. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon tea, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Classic Presentation

• Arrange slices of lemon velvet cake on a beautiful platter for a stunning look.
• Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for an added pop of color.

Individual Servings

• Serve small slices on individual dessert plates for a personal touch.
• Top each slice with a dollop of extra lemon cream cheese frosting.

Pairing with Beverages

• Offer a glass of iced tea or lemonade alongside the cake to complement its flavors.
• Pair it with coffee for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Festive Touch

• Decorate the cake with edible flowers for special occasions.
• Use colorful sprinkles or candied lemon peel as an eye-catching topping.

Dessert Buffet

• Include small bites of lemon velvet cake in a dessert buffet alongside other treats.
• Cut into mini slices for guests to enjoy multiple desserts.

Seasonal Display

• For springtime events, display the cake surrounded by fresh flowers on your table.
• Create a seasonal theme using pastel colors and decorations that highlight the citrus flavor.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To create the ultimate Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
• Sift Dry Ingredients – Sifting flour and other dry ingredients prevents clumps and ensures even mixing in the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool Cakes Completely Before Frosting – Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks before adding frosting for a clean finish.
• Adjust Consistency of Frosting – If your frosting is too thick, add lemon juice gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Flavor – Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest or extracts based on your preference for tartness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like berries and melons adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Lemon Sorbet – This refreshing dessert complements the cake’s flavors while providing a cool contrast.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with bright lemon flavors.
4. Classic Whipped Cream – Light whipped cream adds creaminess without overpowering the lemon taste.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful combination when served alongside warm cake slices.
6. Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini – These savory bites offer an interesting contrast to the sweet dessert, enhancing flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but avoiding certain mistakes will ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into a still-warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
• Using stale baking powder or soda: Check expiration dates as old leavening agents won’t help your cake rise properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the frosted lemon velvet cake in an airtight container.
• item It lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• item Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
• item Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use different extracts in the frosting?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with almond or coconut extracts for unique flavors.

How do I achieve a bright yellow color?

Adding yellow food coloring is optional, but it helps enhance the lemony appearance of your cake.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice as a quick homemade buttermilk substitute.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover lemon cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by adding berries or using different frostings. It’s perfect for spring celebrations or any occasion where you want to impress guests. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!