Here’s a recipe for a delightful Lemon Velvet Cake that’s soft, moist, and full of bright lemon flavor:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Yellow food coloring (optional, for a vibrant color)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (avoid over-mixing).
- If using, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemon color.
2. Bake the cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and tap the pans gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or lemon slices, if desired.
Enjoy your Lemon Velvet Cake with its soft texture and refreshing lemony flavor!
