Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that bursts with citrus flavor. Perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet indulgence, this cake features moist layers paired with rich, creamy frosting. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it an ideal dessert for springtime gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Flavorful: The lemon zest and extracts infuse the cake with a refreshing citrus flavor that is sure to please.
• Moist Texture: The combination of buttermilk and vegetable oil ensures a tender, moist cake that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Dessert: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or even a cozy afternoon tea with friends.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create this delicious cake.
• Stunning Presentation: The bright yellow color and luscious frosting make this cake visually impressive for any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you achieve great results while making the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy batter, essential for the perfect cake texture.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps in managing different mixing stages without confusion.

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 ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture

Mix together the vinegar and hot lemon water. Stir this mixture into your batter along with food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the centers are just set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Step 8: Make Frosting

For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, zest, and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

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

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate its delightful flavors. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this scrumptious dessert.

For Afternoon Tea

• Slice it thin – Cut the cake into thin slices for a light treat during afternoon tea.
• Pair with tea – Serve alongside a refreshing cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a perfect match.

At Celebrations

• Layered presentation – Create a tiered cake stand with your lemon cake at parties for an eye-catching display.
• Festive garnishes – Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on top for a pop of color and elegance.

As Individual Servings

• Cupcake style – Bake the batter in cupcake liners for easy, individual servings topped with frosting and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
• Mini cakes – Use small ramekins to bake mini versions of the cake, perfect for personal servings.

With Fresh Fruits

• Fruit sides – Serve slices of the lemon velvet cake with berries or citrus fruits to complement the lemon flavor.
• Citrus salad – Create a light citrus salad to serve alongside for a refreshing balance.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Lemon Velvet Cake is all about the details. Keep these tips in mind for the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients – Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Measure accurately – Use precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar, to ensure perfect texture.
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better emulsification in your batter.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake layers.
• Cool completely before frosting – Let your cake layers cool completely to prevent melting your frosting.
• Add zest generously – Incorporate ample lemon zest into both the cake and frosting for enhanced lemon flavor.

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

Enhance your dessert experience by pairing your Lemon Velvet Cake with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Lemon Sorbet – This refreshing palate cleanser complements the cake’s citrus notes perfectly.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs well with the tartness of lemon.
4. Tea Sandwiches – Light sandwiches filled with cucumber or smoked salmon provide a savory contrast.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile alongside sweet cake.
6. Herbed Scones – Savory scones bring a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your efforts. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use the proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure success.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s consistency. Let eggs and cream cheese sit out before use for even mixing.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect temperature can lead to underbaking or overbaking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Frosting while the cake is warm: This can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a covered skillet over low heat for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and storing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use regular butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter, but it may slightly change the texture.

How do I achieve a vibrant yellow color?

Adding yellow food coloring enhances the cake’s appearance, but it’s optional.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute; however, results may vary.

What if my frosting is too runny?

Add more powdered sugar gradually until achieving your desired consistency.

How long does it take to make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?

The total time from prep to finish is about 70 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various fillings or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself, this cake is sure to bring joy!