Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, fluffy cake that bursts with the bright flavors of lemon. Each bite is complemented by a velvety cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the cake’s tanginess. This recipe is not just about making a cake; it’s about creating a memorable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:
• Bright Lemon Flavor: The lemon zest and curd infuse the cake with a refreshing, citrusy punch that is both invigorating and satisfying.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting is creamy, luscious, and adds a delightful contrast to the tangy lemon cake.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake is accessible to bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthday parties to casual family dinners, this cake is versatile enough to suit any event.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- • 1 (14.25 oz) white cake mix: Choose a high-quality cake mix for a tender crumb and consistent texture.
- • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Buttermilk adds moisture and richness, making the cake incredibly soft.
- • 3 eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake.
- • ½ cup butter, melted: Butter enriches the cake’s flavor and adds to its moistness.
- • 3 tablespoons lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest enhances the cake with a vibrant lemon flavor.
For the Frosting:
- •¾ cup butter, room temperature: Softened butter is essential for a smooth, creamy frosting.
- •12 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
- •1 teaspoon vanilla: Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that complements the lemon.
- •3-3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- •1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest: Lemon zest in the frosting intensifies the cake’s citrus flavor.
- •1 (12 oz) jar lemon curd: Lemon curd adds an extra burst of lemon flavor and makes the cake truly irresistible.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out easily and evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, room temperature buttermilk, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s light and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add the white cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
4. Add Lemon Zest: Fold in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with a fresh lemon flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
6. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This step is crucial for ensuring the frosting spreads evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
7. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Add Lemon Curd
8. Poke Holes: Once the cake is cooled, use a wooden spoon handle or a similar object to poke holes all over the cake’s surface. This will allow the lemon curd to seep into the cake and add extra flavor.
9. Fill Holes with Lemon Curd: Spoon lemon curd into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the curd into each hole, ensuring it fills the holes evenly.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
10. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. For a decorative touch, spoon any remaining lemon curd over the frosting.
11. Create a Marbled Effect: Use a knife or a spatula to gently swirl the frosting and lemon curd together, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
12. Chill: Refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to cut.
his Lemon Cream Cheese Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite. With its delightful lemon flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of tangy lemon curd and rich cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that’s sure to impress!
