Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our exquisite Lemon Layer Cake for Two, a miniature masterpiece that captures the essence of classic flavors. This delectable cake is perfect for intimate celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With its zesty lemon curd filling sandwiched between layers of moist and fluffy vanilla cake, each bite offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Accompanying this main recipe are variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a gluten-free version and a decadent dairy-free option. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, our Lemon Layer Cake for Two is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and elegant presentation.
Let's cook with our recipes!
LEMON LAYER CAKE
This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. -Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease parchment., Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and juice. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and milk. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 24-28 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool slightly., For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; beat in confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and salt until blended., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Brush layers with warm syrup; cool completely., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup frosting. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. If desired, top with lemon slices or edible flowers. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 841 calories, Fat 48g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 219mg cholesterol, Sodium 656mg sodium, Carbohydrate 96g carbohydrate (72g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.
LEMON LAYER CAKE WITH LEMON CREAM FILLING AND FROSTING
If you want, you can simplify things by skipping the filling recipe and just using the frosting to fill in between the layers of cake. This cake will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Provided by Katie Workman
Time 5h35m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- For the lemon cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans, then insert a round of parchment cut to fit just inside the bottom of each pan. Butter the parchment, then flour the pans, tapping out any excess flour.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cake flour, baking powder and salt.
- Using an electric, standing or hand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until very fluffy and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla followed by the lemon zest and juice--the mixture may appear to break apart a bit or curdle, but it will come back together when the flour is added, so don't panic! Add about a third of the flour mixture and mix until just barely incorporated, then add half of the milk and blend. Repeat with one-third of the flour mixture, the rest of the milk and the rest of the flour mixture and blend until the ingredients are just completely incorporated.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl in the middle of this process. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans, dividing it evenly and smoothing the tops. Bake until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 22 to 26 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the insides of the pans to make sure the sides don't stick, place a wire rack over the top of each pan and invert the cake onto the wire rack. Peel off the parchment and cool completely.
- For the lemon filling: While the cakes are baking, make the lemon curd. Whisk the granulated sugar, lemon juice, butter, egg yolks and salt in a small nonreactive saucepan. Place the pan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Place the lemon curd in a small bowl, press a piece of plastic wrap on top of the surface and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours and up to a week.
- Briskly stir the lemon zest into the chilled curd to blend well. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the lemon curd with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour but not more than 6 hours.
- For the lemon frosting: In a large bowl with an electric, standing or hand mixer, beat the confectioners' sugar with the butter on low speed until combined, then turn the beater speed to high and add the cream and lemon zest and juice. Beat until fluffy.
- To assemble the cake, place each cake layer upside down on a round of cardboard or a flat plate. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, frost the top and sides of each cake layer with a very thin layer of the lemon frosting. Place the cake layers in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the thin layer of frosting.
- Place the bottom layer of cake on the platter that you will be serving it on and tuck thick strips of wax or parchment paper under the edges of the cake to keep the platter clean. Spread the lemon filling over the bottom layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around so the filling has a bit of room to spread when you place the second layer on top. Cover the filling with the raspberries, then place the second layer of cake on top.
- Frost the cake with the rest of the frosting. The cake will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, though it's best within a day of making. Bring to room temperature before serving.
SYBIL'S OLD FASHIONED LEMON LAYER CAKE
This is one of my grandmother's recipes, a Southern classic. It is similar to a doberge--six thin layers with a tart lemon filling. I usually need 3 large fresh lemons for this recipe to produce the zest and juice.
Provided by REGINAHARRIS
Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Lemon Dessert Recipes
Time 2h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 9-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, then mix in 2 1/4 cups of sugar until thoroughly blended and fluffy. Beat 6 egg yolks into the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each yolk is added. Beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with milk. Mix in 3/4 teaspoon of grated lemon peel and 1 3/4 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- With clean beaters, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks in a bowl; lightly fold the egg whites into the batter; use a rubber spatula or wire whisk to fold 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the batter. Gently run the spatula through the center of the bowl, then around the sides of the bowl, repeating until fully incorporated. Add the remaining egg whites, folding just until incorporated.. Pour the batter into the 3 prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes; then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling.
- To make filling, whisk 2 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of grated lemon peel, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 5 1/2 tablespoons of flour, and beaten egg together in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly, until the filling almost comes to a boil; cook until thickened and smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Allow the filling to cool.
- To assemble, place each cake layer down on a work surface, and place one hand lightly on the top of the cake. Use a serrated knife to slice the cake in half horizontally, with a light sawing motion, to create 2 layers from each cake (6 total layers). Brush crumbs from the layers. Place a cake layer onto a serving dish, and spread with 1/6 of the filling; repeat with all the layers and filling, ending with a layer of lemon filling for the top of the cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 652.9 calories, Carbohydrate 106.2 g, Cholesterol 161.2 mg, Fat 22.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.4 g, Sodium 295.5 mg, Sugar 76.7 g
LEMON LAYER CAKE FOR TWO
This recipe is out of a cookbook called "Small-Batch Baking" by Debbie Maugans Nakos. All of the recipes in it make just enough cookies/cakes/breads/brownies for 2-4 people, which is nice if you don't like tons of leftovers to tempt you. The cookbook suggests baking cakes in two 14 or 14.5 ounce soup cans (economical), but I found that one 4 1/2-inch springform pan (like the one shown in my picture) works fine for a 2-layer cake (plus, they are made for baking and bake evenly). Also, a tiny jar (1.25 oz.) of lemon curd (also in the picture) works perfectly for this recipe. Both were purchased at World Market. I frosted this cake with half a recipe of Recipe #230253 (with minor modifications - see my review on that one), but I have included the author's frosting recipe as well. Enjoy!
Provided by Greeny4444
Categories Dessert
Time 55m
Yield 1 4 1/2-inch cake, 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Spray the inside of a 4 1/2-inch springform pan. Place it on a baking sheet for easier handling; set aside.
- Place the buttermilk and baking soda in a small bowl, and whisk until the baking soda is dissolved. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and melted butter, and whisk to combine.
- Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium-size mixing bowl and whisk to blend well. Add the buttermilk mixture, and whisk just until blended and smooth.
- Place the rack in the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and place the springform pan on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take the cake out of the pan, and place it upright on the rack, letting it cool completely.
- To make frosting: Place the cream and confectioners' sugar in a small mixing bowl and beat on high speed until firm peaks form (about 2 minutes).
- Add half of the lemon curd and beat to mix.
- To frost: Cut the cake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half cut-side up. Spread the remaining lemon curd on the cake bottom, and a small amount of frosting on top of that.
- Place the other half of the cake, cut side down, on top of that. Frost the tops and sides of the cake.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 6 hours, and let the cake return to room temperature before serving.
LEMON LAYER CAKE
Although its style varies from diner to diner, lemon layer cake is a regular item on the lunch counter. This version is full of pure lemon flavor: moist lemon cake layers filled with a tart, creamy filling, all covered with a lemon buttercream frosting. Serve with good-quality vanilla ice cream, if you like.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- 1. To make the lemon cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust the pans with flour and tap out the excess.
- 2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together the dry ingredients with a whisk. Set aside.
- 3. In an electric stand mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, increase the speed to medium-high, and continue to beat until the mixture is light, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- 4. Add the whole eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon zest. Reduce the speed to low and gradually beat in he lemon juice (the batter will appear curdled at this point smooth out after you add the dry ingredients). Beat in the dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 10 seconds. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans.
- 5. Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the rakcs and cool completely.
- 6. To make the lemon filling, in a medium nonreactive saucepan, whisk together the yolks and sugar until combined. Whisk in the lemon juice, butter, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mixture turns opaque, thickens, and coats the back of the spoon. Do not let the filling boil, or it will curdle. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and allow the filling to cool.
- 7.Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chilled.
- 8. In a clean bowl of the electric mixer, using the whisk attachment or beaters, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Remove the lemon filling from the refrigerator and whisk until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the filling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling until ready to assemble the cake.
- 9. To make the lemon frosting, in the large bowl of the electric mixer, using the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar on low speed. Add the cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest. Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat for about 3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- 10. To assemble the cake, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Pile the lemon filling onto the center using a small offset metal spatula, and spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the cake layer. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon frosting. (If some of the filling oozes out from the middle, just blend it with the frosting around the sides of the cake.) Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
ULTIMATE LEMON LAYER CAKE
I love lemon cakes, pies, cookies, etc. This cake is the best! It comes from Cook's Illustrated Magazine, Mar/Apr 07 edition. As always, they area very precise with their directions, so they might be long, but don't be put off by that. The filling can be made a day ahead, it does get a little stiff, just stir it to loosen it up a bit. Chill leftovers.
Provided by SweetSueAl
Categories Dessert
Time 1h25m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Filling: Measure 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a small bowl; sprinkle gelatin over the top.
- Heat remaining lemon juice, sugar, and salt in medium non-reactive sauce pan over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Whisk eggs and yolks in a large non-reactive bowl.
- Whisking constantly, slowly pour hot lemon-sugar mixture into eggs, then return mixture to saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 170° and is thick enought to leave a trail when a spatula is scraped along the bottom of the pan, about 4-6 minutes.
- Immediately remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Stir in frozen butter until incorporated.
- Pour filling through a fine-meshed strainer into a bowl.
- Cover surface with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm enough to spread, about 4 hours.
- Cake: Preheat oven to 350°.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg milk, egg whites and vanilla.
- In a mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; mix at slow speed.
- Add butter one piece at a time, continue to beat until mixture resembles moist crumbs and no visible butter chunks.
- Add all but 1 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed until mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- With mixer running, add remaining 1/2 cup milk mixture, beat 1 mintute more.
- Divide batter evenly between cake pans.
- Bake 23-25 minutes or until toothpick in center of cakes comes out clean.
- Loosen cakes from side of pan with a small knife, cool in pan 10 minutes then remove from pan onto greased wire rack, remove parchment paper, invert again and cool completely.
- Icing: Combine all ingredients in a mixer bowl or heatproof bowl.
- Set over medium saucepan filled with 1-inch of simmering water.
- Cook stirring constantly until mixture reaches 160°, 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to mixer bowl (if needed) and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes.
- Increase speed to medium-high and continue to beat until mixture has cooled to room temperature and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes longer.
- Assembly: Cut each layer in half horizontally.
- Spread 1 cup of lemon filling evenly on each cake, (except the top layer) leaving 1/2-inch border around cake.
- Place top layer on cakes, smooth out any filling that may have leaked from the layers.
- Refrigerate while you make the icing.
- Spread icing on cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 750.7, Fat 28.8, SaturatedFat 16.7, Cholesterol 274, Sodium 498, Carbohydrate 115.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 88, Protein 10.9
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients blend together more easily.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting set properly.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to spread the frosting on the cake.
Conclusion:
This luscious lemon layer cake is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy layers, tangy lemon filling, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to please everyone. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and beautiful lemon layer cake that will be a hit at your next gathering.
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