Best 5 Lemon Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with our exquisite Lemon Layer Cake adorned with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. This culinary masterpiece features tender, moist lemon-infused layers that harmoniously blend with the velvety smoothness of the cream cheese frosting, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Each bite offers a burst of citrusy brightness balanced by the rich, tangy creaminess of the frosting. Perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, this Lemon Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

In addition to the classic Lemon Layer Cake, this article presents a collection of delectable variations that cater to diverse preferences. Discover the zesty Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, where juicy blueberries burst with flavor in every bite. For a tropical twist, embark on a culinary adventure with the Lemon Coconut Layer Cake, where the aromatic coconut adds a touch of paradise to each layer. And for those who relish a hint of floral elegance, the Lemon Lavender Layer Cake awaits, offering a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.

Furthermore, this article provides a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Cream Cheese Frosting, ensuring a smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced topping for your cakes. Learn the techniques to achieve the ideal consistency and discover tips for adding a touch of personal flair to your frosting. With detailed instructions, helpful hints, and a range of flavor variations, this article equips you to create a truly exceptional Cream Cheese Frosting that will elevate your cakes to new heights of deliciousness.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this article has something for everyone. Dive into the world of delectable Lemon Layer Cakes and explore the endless possibilities of Cream Cheese Frosting. Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure that will leave your kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and your loved ones begging for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEMON LAYER CAKE



Lemon Layer Cake image

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

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup 2% milk
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
SYRUP:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: Lemon slices or edible flowers

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 CHEESE BUTTERCREAM



Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Buttercream image

This 3 layer lemon layer cake is made completely from scratch with real lemons. It's deliciously moist and light and is remarkable paired with tangy cream cheese buttercream.

Provided by Sally

Categories     Cake

Time 4h

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups (354g) sifted all-purpose flour* (spoon & leveled)
2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
1 heaping Tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
8 ounces (224g) full-fat brick style cream cheese, softened to room temperature*
4 and 1/2 cups (540g) confectioners' sugar
2 Tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
  • Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
  • Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients just until combined. With the mixer still running on low, add the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice and mix just until combined. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be a little thick.
  • Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for around 21-26 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling. The baked cakes are fluffy, but they are not thick- about 1 - 1.5 inches.
  • In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese and beat until completely smooth and combined. Add confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add more confectioners' sugar if frosting is too thin, more lemon juice if frosting is too thick, or add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. (I always add a pinch of salt!)
  • Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with about 1 cup of frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer and evenly cover the top with about 1 cup of frosting. Top with the third cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I like to top mine with homemade whipped cream (I used Wilton 8B piping tip).
  • Refrigerate for at least 30-45 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
  • Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for 5 days.

LEMON LAYER CAKE WITH LEMON CREAM FILLING AND FROSTING



Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Cream Filling and Frosting image

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

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for buttering the pans
2 3/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for flouring the pans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 large egg yolks
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh raspberries
4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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.

FOUR LAYER LEMON TORTE WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Four Layer Lemon Torte with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting image

They'll think you special ordered this from a caterer or bakery when you serve this! It couldn't be easier since it starts with a packaged yellow cake mix and ready made raspberry preserves!

Provided by yooper

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (18 1/2 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
6 large eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon grated lemon, rind of
3/4 cup raspberry preserves
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 (11 1/4 ounce) jar lemon curd
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon, rind of
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • For Cake: Preheat oven to 350.
  • Butter two 9-inch-diameter springform pans with 2 3/4-inch-high sides.
  • Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl.
  • Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Divide batter between prepared pans.
  • Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 28 minutes.
  • Cool cakes completely in pans on racks.
  • Using small knife, cut around sides of pans to loosen cakes.
  • Remove pan sides.
  • Using serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half.
  • Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on platter.
  • Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting.
  • Top with second cake layer, cut side up.
  • Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting.
  • Repeat with third cake layer.
  • Top with fourth cake layer, cut side down.
  • Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
  • Press almonds onto sides of cake.
  • Chill until frosting sets, about 2 hours.
  • (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.) For frosting: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and curd in large bowl until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 682.8, Fat 44, SaturatedFat 20.1, Cholesterol 190.3, Sodium 583.9, Carbohydrate 63.5, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 40.9, Protein 11.3

EASY LEMON LAYER CAKE



Easy lemon layer cake image

Indulge in a slice of lemon cake for afternoon tea. With lovely light sponge layers, a citrus zing offsets the rich and creamy soft cheese icing

Provided by Liberty Mendez

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

225g unsalted butter, softened
225g caster sugar
4 large eggs
225g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
75g natural yogurt
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
3 lemons, zested
150g granulated sugar
3 lemons, zest of 2 pared into strips, juiced (you'll need 60ml)
150g unsalted butter, softened
150g icing sugar, sieved
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
300g full-fat soft cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line the base of two 20cm sandwich tins with baking parchment. Beat the butter and sugar together for 3 mins using an electric whisk until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl. Fold in the flour and baking powder until well incorporated, then fold in the yogurt, vanilla and lemon zest. Divide between the tins and bake for 30-35 mins until golden and a skewer inserted into the middles comes out clean.
  • Meanwhile, make the drizzle. Tip the sugar, lemon juice and 100ml water into a small pan set over a medium heat and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon zest, bring to the boil and simmer for 2-3 mins until the zest has softened and the liquid is syrupy. Remove the zest to a sheet of baking parchment using a slotted spoon, and remove the syrup from the heat.
  • Leave the sponges to cool for 10 mins in the tins, then pour over the warm drizzle. Leave to cool completely.
  • For the icing, beat the butter and icing sugar together using an electric whisk for 4-5 mins until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Add the vanilla and soft cheese and beat for 4 mins more until thick and creamy. Don't worry if it doesn't look thick at first - it will loosen, then thicken again as you beat it.
  • Remove the cooled sponges from the tins. Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Put one sponge on a cake stand or serving plate, and pipe just under half the icing around the edge using a circular motion for a wavy effect. Pipe a little more icing over the empty middle (this doesn't need to be neat) and smooth with the back of a spoon. Chill for 45 mins-1 hr until set. Top with the second sponge, then pipe eight blobs of icing around the edge at regular intervals, leaving a gap between each. Spoon the candied lemon zest into each gap, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 690 calories, Fat 41 grams fat, SaturatedFat 25 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 72 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 55 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 8 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium

Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest and juice of fresh lemons will give your cake a bright, citrusy flavor that is simply irresistible.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake layers until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure that the cake is cooked through without being overbaked.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting them. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
  • Use a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. The frosting is the star of this cake, so don't be shy about using plenty of it.
  • Decorate the cake with lemon zest, fresh berries, or other citrus fruits. This will add a pop of color and flavor to your cake.

Conclusion:

Lemon layer cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is light, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor. The cream cheese frosting is rich and creamy, and it pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon cake. This cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Related Topics