Hey, Lykkers! Are there days when you just crave something that's both refreshing and indulgent? Something that gives you that sweet zing of sunshine with every bite?
If you're nodding, then this creamy lemon cake is calling your name.
Light, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy goodness, it's the kind of cake that brings a bit of zest to your life—and let's face it, who couldn't use a little extra zest?
The Magic of Lemon:
Lemon isn't just a fruit; it's like a burst of sunshine in every bite. Its tartness hits all the right notes, while its bright, fragrant zest adds an aromatic layer that elevates any dessert. Whether it's the zing of lemon in the cake or the velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake will have you looking for any excuse to bake it—so why not now?
What's Needed to Bring the Zest:
For the cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the frosting:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp butter (softened)
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Baking the Zest:
1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring an 8-inch round cake pan. This little step ensures your cake won't stick, which is always a win.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside—let the dry ingredients mingle while you work on the wet ones.
3. Butter and Sugar Bliss: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You want the kind of texture that feels like clouds—this ensures a soft, tender cake. Add in the eggs, one by one, beating well between each. Don't rush this part; it's the foundation of your cake's texture.
4. Lemon, Baby: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The zest will add that aromatic punch, while the juice will give it the tang that makes lemon cake so irresistible. Mix until everything's perfectly combined.
5. The Wet and Dry Dance: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, and nobody wants a heavy lemon cake. The goal here is light and fluffy!
6. Bake Away: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don't rush it—let it cool completely before frosting.
7. Frosting Perfection: While the cake is cooling, whip up the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is light and creamy. Add the lemon zest for an extra citrus burst. The frosting should be thick but smooth—perfect for spreading on top of your cooled cake.
8. Frost and Garnish: Once the cake is cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. If you're feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of zest or a few lemon slices. The more lemon, the better!
Pro Tips for That Perfect Cake:
Lemon Zest Matters: The zest is where the true lemon magic happens, so don't skip it! Fresh lemons work best.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and a fluffier texture.
Chill or Serve Room Temp?: This cake is delicious at room temperature, but chilling it for an hour or so enhances its creamy texture and allows the flavors to meld.
Why This Lemon Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—this lemon cake is a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes. It's the perfect dessert for any season, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long week. The cake is light enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack, yet indulgent enough to impress at dinner parties. And if the cake is ever too much to finish in one sitting (though, who are we kidding?), it stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days, keeping that creamy frosting intact.
Ready to embrace the zesty joy that is this creamy lemon cake? Go ahead, Lykkers. It's time to bake up a little sunshine and treat yourself to something truly special!
