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 airy texture and zesty flavor, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply enjoying on a sunny afternoon. The combination of tender cake layers and creamy frosting makes it irresistible. Serve it at your next event to impress your guests with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool Cakes
• Step 8: Make Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Cake
• How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• For a Classic Presentation
• With Fresh Fruits
• Accompanied by Beverages
• As Part of a Dessert Table
• How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened?
• How do I make my cake more lemony?
• Can I substitute other flavors in this recipe?
• What if my frosting is too runny?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and extract create a refreshing citrus experience.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to buttermilk and the unique blend of oils, the cake stays moist for days.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or an afternoon tea.
• Easy to Make: The simple steps make this recipe suitable for bakers of all levels.
• Stunning Presentation: Garnish with lemon slices for an eye-catching finish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in delicate ingredients.

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.

• 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 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 light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Alternate adding:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients along with buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture

Mix together:
Combine white vinegar with hot lemon water in a separate bowl, then stir this into the batter along with food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide:
Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Let cool:
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Frosting

For frosting:
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually mix in vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Cake

Assemble:
Frost each cooled cake layer generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious cake that will impress everyone at your gathering.

For a Classic Presentation

• Cake Slices: Serve individual slices of the cake on elegant dessert plates, garnished with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
• Layered Dessert Cups: Crumble leftover cake layers into cups and alternate with frosting for a fun, casual dessert.

With Fresh Fruits

• Mixed Berries: Pair the cake with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus Salad: A citrus salad with oranges and grapefruits complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Iced Tea: Serve with sweetened or unsweetened iced tea infused with lemon for a refreshing drink option.
• Lemonade: A classic homemade lemonade enhances the citrus theme and balances the sweetness of the cake.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Mini Desserts: Include mini lemon tarts or meringues alongside the cake for variety.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses that pair well with sweet desserts, creating an exciting flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To make sure your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting comes out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Preheat Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking throughout the cake layers.
• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the ideal texture. A kitchen scale can be very helpful here.
• Boldly Alternate Mixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, do so gradually to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense cake layers.
• Boldly Cool Completely: Let cakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and slipping off.
• Boldly Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting as you mix in powdered sugar. Adjust sweetness by adding more lemon juice if it becomes too sweet.
• Boldly Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps your cake fresh for several days.

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

Enhance your dessert experience by pairing your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting with these delightful side dishes. They offer a balanced meal that complements the brightness of lemon.

1. Greek Salad: A light salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese provides freshness and balance.
2. Quinoa Salad: Toss quinoa with herbs, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious side packed with flavor.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies drizzled with olive oil bring smoky notes that contrast nicely with the sweet cake.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes add heartiness to your meal while being easy to prepare alongside other dishes.
5. Pasta Primavera: A vegetable pasta dish tossed in olive oil complements the citrusy notes of your dessert without overpowering it.
6. Sautéed Greens: Lightly sautéed spinach or kale seasoned simply adds vibrant color and nutrients next to sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Using the wrong flour: Different types of flour have different properties. Make sure to use all-purpose and cake flour as specified for the perfect texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements to ensure consistent results.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s consistency. Allow your eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing.

• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cakes a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering 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 regular cream cheese instead of softened?

You should always use softened cream cheese for frosting. It mixes better and creates a smooth texture.

How do I make my cake more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add extra lemon juice while mixing the batter or frosting.

Can I substitute other flavors in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or orange, but remember they will change the overall flavor profile.

What if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding fruits or different extracts. We encourage you to try this recipe and bring some sunny joy into your baking!