Lemon lovers, get ready for a delightful treat with this homemade Lemon Velvet Cake recipe. With its soft, velvety texture and vibrant lemon flavor, this cake is bound to win hearts. The addition of cream cheese in the batter gives it a rich texture and fine crumb that’s simply irresistible.
Layered with lemon curd and whipped cream, and frosted with a heavenly homemade lemon buttercream, this cake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a bridal shower, or a wedding, this Lemon Velvet Cake is a versatile option that suits every occasion.
Indulge in layers of soft lemon cake enveloped in a luscious lemon frosting – a citrusy twist on the classic velvet cake. This recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, requiring no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Get ready to impress your guests with this moist and tender homemade delight.
Ingredients
Creating a luscious Lemon Velvet Cake involves simple yet essential ingredients that come together to deliver a burst of zesty lemon flavor. The Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting adds the perfect balance of tanginess to complement the cake’s sweetness, making it a must-have recipe for any lemon lover.
For the Lemon Velvet Cake
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 330g granulated sugar
- 118ml vegetable oil
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 355ml buttermilk
- 15ml finely grated lemon zest
- 10ml lemon extract
- 12 drops concentrated yellow gel food coloring
- 3 large eggs, brought to near room temperature
- 315g all-purpose flour
- 5g salt
- 75g baking powder
- 25g baking soda
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 25ml lemon extract
- 5ml finely grated lemon zest
- A pinch of salt
- 625g powdered sugar, sifted
- 10ml lemon juice, adjusted as needed for consistency
- 12 drops concentrated yellow gel food coloring (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden toothpicks
- Wire racks
Having the right equipment is essential to ensure the success of your Lemon Velvet Cake recipe. Make sure to gather all the necessary tools listed above before starting the baking process. Proper equipment will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your cake.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cake Pans
To begin preparing the cake pans, preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch dark cake pans. Set them aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then set it aside.
- In another large bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, and shortening until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk until fully incorporated.
- Mix together the distilled vinegar and lemon water, then incorporate this mixture into the batter.
- Add the desired amount of food coloring to achieve the perfect shade of yellow.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and gently shake them to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark for doneness.
- Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven, allowing them to rest in the pans until they are cool enough to handle. The residual heat will continue to cook the cakes.
Baking the Cake
Baking the Lemon Velvet Cake is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. It’s essential to monitor the baking time and temperature carefully to ensure a moist and tender cake.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F for this Lemon Velvet Cake recipe.
- Bake the cake layers in three 8-inch pans for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes on a wire rack before turning them out for the final cooling process.
Making the Frosting
Creating the perfect frosting for your lemon velvet cake is a crucial step in enhancing its flavor profile and overall appeal. Below are the steps to make a delightful cream cheese and lemon frosting that will complement the velvety texture and citrusy notes of the cake.
Cream Cheese and Lemon Mixture
To start, combine cream cheese, butter, lemon extract, lemon zest, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of yellow food coloring in a mixing bowl. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness, while the fresh lemon elements bring a vibrant citrus flavor to the frosting. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your preference for a more pronounced lemon taste. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated for a balanced and delicious frosting.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the Lemon Velvet Cake is a fun and rewarding process that brings together all the delightful flavors and textures into a beautiful dessert masterpiece. Follow these steps to layer and frost your cake with precision and creativity.
Layering Cakes and Frosting
- Place the first cake layer on a flat surface like a cutting board or cake turntable.
- Carefully slice off any domed top from the cake layer using a long knife held parallel to the surface.
- Pipe a dam of buttercream around the edge of the cake layer to contain the filling.
- Fill the center of the dam with a layer of lemon curd followed by a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat the process for the second cake layer and add the final layer on top.
- Fill any remaining gaps between the layers with buttercream.
- Apply a thin layer of buttercream to the entire cake for the crumb coat.
- Chill the cake in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up before applying the final coat of frosting.
- Frost the sides of the cake with the final coat of buttercream, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Add decorative elements like ridges using a cake comb for added texture.
- Pipe rosettes around the top edge of the cake using a piping tip for an elegant look.
- Fill the top of the cake with a thin layer of lemon curd for a pop of citrus flavor.
- Chill the cake until shortly before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
Decorating Tips
Adding decorative elements to your Lemon Velvet Cake can elevate its appearance and make it even more appealing. Here are some suggestions for an elegant presentation:
- Use Fresh Lemon Slices: Garnish your cake with thinly sliced fresh lemon rounds or wedges for a vibrant and citrusy touch.
- Edible Flowers: Decorate the top of the cake with delicate edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, for a beautiful and sophisticated look.
- Lemon Zest Sprinkles: Sprinkle some finely grated lemon zest over the frosted cake for a pop of color and an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- Gold Leaf Accents: If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider adding edible gold leaf accents to the cake for a glamorous and elegant finish.
- Layered Lemony Look: Create a layered look by piping rows of lemon buttercream rosettes around the sides of the cake, alternating with piped lemon curd for a visually appealing design.
- Textured Finish: Experiment with different frosting techniques, such as creating swirls, waves, or peaks with the lemon buttercream, to add texture and visual interest to your cake.
By incorporating these decorative ideas, you can transform your Lemon Velvet Cake into a stunning centerpiece that not only tastes delicious but also captivates with its visual charm.
Storage and Serving
How to Keep Your Cake Fresh
To maintain the freshness of your Lemon Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, there are a couple of options available. If you’re not planning on serving it immediately, placing it in the refrigerator is recommended. Chilling the cake helps keep the frosting firm and the cake moist, enhancing its overall texture and taste.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil to preserve its moisture and prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy the cake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results. Slowly bringing it back to room temperature before serving ensures the best flavor experience for your Lemon Velvet Cake.
Conclusion
Creating a delectable Lemon Velvet Cake is a delightful experience that combines the freshness of lemon with the richness of cream cheese and whipped cream. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily prepare this indulgent treat using common ingredients. Remember to store your cake properly by refrigerating it for freshness or freezing it for future enjoyment. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving to savor its full flavor profile. Elevate the visual appeal of your Lemon Velvet Cake with creative decorations like lemon slices, edible flowers, zest sprinkles, or elegant gold leaf accents. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating your Lemon Velvet Cake to create a stunning masterpiece that will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.