Best 7 Lemon Layer Sheet Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable Lemon Layer Sheet Cake, a classic dessert that tantalizes taste buds with its delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. This iconic cake features moist and fluffy layers infused with vibrant lemon zest, sandwiched between a luscious lemon filling and topped with a velvety lemon frosting. Each bite promises a burst of citrusy goodness, perfectly balanced by the creamy frosting. This recipe guide provides detailed instructions for creating this timeless treat, along with variations to suit different preferences, including a gluten-free option and a delightful lemon glaze. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create a stunning Lemon Layer Sheet Cake that will be the centerpiece of any gathering.

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

LEMON LAYER SHEET CAKE



Lemon Layer Sheet Cake image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 55m

Yield 36 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 egg whites
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) cool unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 lemons, zested
4 cups sifted cake flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), whip the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Refrigerate.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 13-by-18-inch baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth. With the mixer running, slowly add the sugar and mix. Add the vanilla, almond extract, and lemon zest and mix well. Sift the flour 3 times with the baking powder (this is to lighten the cakes). Add a third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix. Add half of the milk to the butter mixture and mix. Add another third of the flour mixture and mix. Add the remaining milk and mix. Add the remaining flour and mix until smooth. Fold in the egg whites. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheets, filling them about 1/2 full. Bake until firm to the touch 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan.
  • To make the frosting, place egg whites and sugar in a mixing bowl and warm over hot water to dissolve the sugar (this is a Swiss meringue). Remove from the heat and whip with the whip attachment until cool and stiff. Add the butter, a little at a time, then add flavorings.
  • Sandwich the 2 layers of cake together with 1/2 of the butter cream between them. Frost the top with the remaining half and use an icing comb to make wavy lines all over the surface. Chill for 2 hours. Then trim the edges and cut into bars.

LEMON SHEET CAKE



Lemon Sheet Cake image

Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze before serving. -Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield 35 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package lemon cake mix (regular size)
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (15-3/4 ounces) lemon pie filling
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Colored sugar, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the cake mix and eggs until well blended. Fold in pie filling. , Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Spread over cake. If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 166mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

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



Lemon Layer Cake image

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

2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large whole eggs, at room temperature
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

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.

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.

BEST LEMON SHEET CAKE WITH LEMON GLAZE



Best Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Glaze image

This is my go-to sheet cake recipe whenever I am baking for a lot of people and when there are any kids involved. It is also our standard cake for any kid's birthday. Really easy to make and everybody loves it.

Provided by diana

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 ¾ cups unsalted butter
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 lemons, zested
1 ¾ cups confectioners' sugar
¼ cup lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Combine 1 1/2 cups butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time and beat after each addition until well combined. Mix in flour and baking powder on low speed until well combined; mix in lemon zest.
  • Spread dough on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula as dough is very sticky.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Mix confectioner's sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl and brush glaze onto the cooled cake. Allow to dry, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.5 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 78.3 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 83.9 mg, Sugar 23.7 g

SYBIL'S OLD FASHIONED LEMON LAYER CAKE



Sybil's Old Fashioned Lemon Layer Cake image

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

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 ¼ cups white sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons milk
¾ teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 ¾ teaspoons lemon juice
2 ¼ cups white sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
½ cup lemon juice
5 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons butter

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

Tips:

  • Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor for this cake. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor will not be as good.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the cake, making it light and tender. Creaming the butter and sugar together also helps to dissolve the sugar, which prevents the cake from being grainy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time: Adding the eggs one at a time helps to prevent the cake from curdling. Beat each egg into the batter until it is completely combined before adding the next egg.
  • Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

This lemon layer sheet cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the sweet cake, tart lemon filling, and fluffy frosting is sure to please everyone. Follow these tips to make sure your lemon layer sheet cake turns out perfect every time.

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