Ultimate Lemon Cake Moist, Zesty, Bakery Style Perfect Cake

Moist and delicious ultimate lemon cake with fresh lemon zest and icing

why make this recipe

The Ultimate Lemon Cake is a must-try for any lemon lover. It’s bright, moist, and bursting with refreshing lemon flavor.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this cake will impress everyone. With its creamy frosting and delicious layers, it’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as a dessert to enjoy at home.

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how to make The Ultimate Lemon Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, or olive)
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups Buttermilk or Whole Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 2 cups Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Salted Butter (softened)
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 1 to 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 8 ounces Lemon Curd

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together oil, eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest for two minutes.
  3. Stir in sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
  4. Generously spray two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray.
  5. Divide the batter among the prepared pans.
  6. Bake 8-inch cakes for 20-26 minutes, or 9-inch cakes for 30-36 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes completely.
  8. For the frosting, cream softened butter and cream cheese for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  9. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest, then mix until combined.
  10. Chill the frosting.
  11. Once the cakes are cool, remove them from the pans.
  12. Spread lemon curd and then frosting on the first cake layer.
  13. Repeat with the second layer (and third, if you used three cakes), spreading lemon curd and frosting on all sides of the cake.
  14. Chill the assembled cake for 20-30 minutes to let the frosting set.
  15. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

how to serve The Ultimate Lemon Cake

Serve The Ultimate Lemon Cake chilled or at room temperature. Slice it into pieces and enjoy on its own or with fresh berries for added flavor. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well with this cake as well.

how to store The Ultimate Lemon Cake

Keep any leftovers of The Ultimate Lemon Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cake. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

tips to make The Ultimate Lemon Cake

  1. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing for the best frosting consistency.
  2. Use fresh lemons for zest and juice for a brighter flavor.
  3. Don’t skip chilling the frosting; it helps it set better and makes it easier to spread.
  4. Adjust the amount of lemon curd to your taste more for a zippier cake!

variation

For a different twist, you can add poppy seeds to the cake batter for added texture or substitute the lemon curd with raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity surprise.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly if you’re short on time.

2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make it gluten-free.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar to your liking, but keep in mind it may affect the cake’s texture and sweetness.