Zesty Lemon Layer Cake

Name: Lemon Heaven Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 1 cup granulated sugar.; 2 large eggs.; 2 tablespoons lemon zest.; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice.; 1/2 cup buttermilk.; 1/2 cup sour cream.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting).; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.; 1 cup powdered sugar.; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for frosting).; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting).; Lemon slices for garnish.

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This double-layer lemon cake delivers bright citrus flavor in every bite. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:12 GMT

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A slice of lemon cake layered with cream frosting and decorated with lemon slices sits on a plate next to a lemon wedge. | recipesbyclare.com

My Lemon Heaven Cake brings sunshine to any occasion. The bright citrus flavor combined with tender crumb and creamy frosting makes everyone smile. It's like summer on a plate and surprisingly simple to make.

Fresh and Fabulous

The magic of this cake is how the lemon brightens every bite while keeping things perfectly moist. I love that it uses simple ingredients but tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. That lemon frosting takes it right over the top.

What You'll Need

1 1/2 cups: Regular flour
1 1/2 tsp: Baking powder
1/4 tsp: Baking soda
1/4 tsp: Salt
1/2 cup: Soft butter unsalted
1 cup: Sugar
2 large: Fresh eggs
2 tbsp: Fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup: Fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup: Buttermilk
1/2 cup: Sour cream
For Frosting: Butter cream cheese powdered sugar lemon zest and juice
Garnish: Pretty lemon slices

Let's Bake

Get Ready:: Heat oven to 350°F grease two 8-inch pans.
Mix Dry Team:: Whisk flour baking powder soda and salt.
Start the Batter:: Cream butter with sugar add eggs lemon zest and juice.
Bring it Together:: Add dry mix and wet ingredients taking turns end with dry.
Into the Oven:: Fill pans evenly bake about 25-30 minutes.
Final Touch:: Cool completely frost with lemony cream cheese frosting add lemon slices.

My Best Tips

Fresh is Best: Real lemons make all the difference.
Smart Zesting: Zest before you squeeze.
Room Temp Magic: Soft butter and warm eggs blend better.
Don't Overdo: Mix just until combined for fluffiness.

A slice of lemon cake is topped with lemon slices and yellow sprinkles, placed on a plate next to a half lemon. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep It Fresh

Store Smart: Room temp 2 days fridge 5 days sealed tight.
Freeze Some: Wrap slices well freeze up to 2 months.
Serve Right: Perfect with berries and ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my cake sink in the middle?: Don't open oven while baking and make sure ingredients are room temperature. Check if baking powder is fresh.
→ How do I get the most zest from lemons?: Zest lemons before juicing them, and only grate the yellow part, avoiding white pith which is bitter.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Yes, bake layers up to 2 days ahead, wrap well. Frost day of serving for best results.
→ Why is my frosting runny?: Make sure butter and cream cheese are just softened, not too warm. If needed, chill frosting before spreading.
→ Can I freeze this cake?: Yes, freeze unfrosted layers up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before frosting.