Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of our Lemon Butter Cake – a decadent dessert that perfectly balances the tangy zest of lemon with the rich creaminess of butter. This indulgent treat is a delightful combination of moist cake layers and a creamy, lemon-infused cream cheese topping, making it the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers everywhere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day with its sunny flavors. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake your way to lemony bliss!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- 2 lemons, zested
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish before adding the cream layer.
For the Cream Layer:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake in the baking dish.
- Bake Again: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cream layer is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish before slicing and serving. Enjoy the cake at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Enhance with Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Add Texture with Nuts: Fold chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and crunch.
- Experiment with Citrus: Try using different citrus fruits such as limes or oranges in place of lemons for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons? A: While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. However, keep in mind that the flavor may not be as vibrant.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, this cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I omit the cream cheese layer? A: While the cream cheese layer adds richness and creaminess to the cake, you can omit it if desired for a simpler dessert.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for a lower carb option.
- Substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for the cream cheese in the cream layer.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the cake batter and cream layer, or use a sugar-free sweetener.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce the carb content of the cake.
- Serve the cake in smaller portions to keep the carb count lower while still enjoying its delicious flavors.
Satisfy your sweet tooth and delight your senses with our delectable Lemon Butter Cake – a heavenly dessert that’s bursting with citrusy goodness. With its moist cake layers, tangy lemon zest, and creamy cream cheese topping, this cake is a true indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself to a slice after dinner or sharing it with friends and family at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of lemony bliss that will leave everyone craving more!
