Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to any gathering. With its moist layers and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just a sweet indulgence on a sunny afternoon. Its bright lemon flavor and velvety texture make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and extracts creates a refreshing taste that brightens up any occasion.
• Moist Texture: The use of buttermilk ensures each bite is soft and tender, making this cake irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with this recipe.
• Versatile Design: Decorate with fresh lemon slices or edible flowers to tailor the cake for any event.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for both kids and adults, this cake is sure to be the highlight of your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any steps.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating ingredients, ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your dry and wet ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them.
• Cooling rack: Proper cooling prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate around the cake layers.

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.

For the Cake

• 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)

For the Frosting

• 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 release after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cake flour
3. Baking soda
4. Baking powder
5. Salt

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Vegetable oil
3. Butter-flavored shortening
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract
6. Lemon extract
7. Lemon zest

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture

Mix white vinegar with hot lemon water, then stir into the batter along with yellow food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, frost each layer of the cake with lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired for an extra touch!

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting at your next celebration!

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive celebration, here are some delightful ways to present this cake.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Juicy strawberries add a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Blueberries: Their subtle sweetness complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
• Raspberries: These tart berries enhance the overall citrus experience.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla pairs perfectly with the citrus notes.
• Lemon Sorbet: For an extra zesty kick, serve with refreshing lemon sorbet.
• Coconut Ice Cream: The creaminess of coconut ice cream balances the tartness.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers add color and a peppery twist.
• Pansies: Their soft flavor complements the cake’s sweetness.

Serve on a Beautiful Cake Stand

• Elevation: A lovely cake stand can make your dessert the star of the table.
• Decoration: Consider adding fresh lemon slices or zest around the base for a stunning presentation.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting turns out flawless, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and leads to a better texture in your cake.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cake layers.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy; overmixing can develop gluten and make it tough.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting to avoid melting and sliding.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Complement your dessert with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Lemonade: A chilled glass of lemonade is refreshing and ties in perfectly with the lemon theme.
3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: For those who love tropical flavors, this classic dessert offers a sweet contrast.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory bites that balance the sweetness of the cake.
5. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The richness of chocolate paired with fruit makes for an indulgent treat alongside lemon cake.
6. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt, granola, and fruits create a healthy yet flavorful accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precision or level off dry ingredients with a knife.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Removing the cakes from pans too early can cause them to break. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring.
• Underestimating Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thin, it won’t hold up on the cake. Adjust with more powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Keep the Lemon Velvet Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• item You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap if you don’t have a suitable container.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• item Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item For frosted cakes, ensure it’s fully chilled before wrapping to prevent frostbite.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm individual slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• item Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering it for even warming. This method takes about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delightful dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of low-fat?

Yes, using regular cream cheese will yield a richer flavor and creamier frosting for your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

How can I customize the frosting flavor?

You can add different extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavors alongside lemon zest in your frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not just delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as is or experiment by adding different flavors and garnishes. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!