Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of citrusy sweetness with our Lemon Cream Cheese Cake recipe. Bursting with bright lemon flavors and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a tantalizing treat for any occasion. Join us as we delve into the art of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece, guaranteed to leave your taste buds tingling with joy.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 (14.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest
Frosting:
- ¾ cup butter, room temperature
- 12 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3-3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 (12 oz) jar lemon curd
Instructions:
Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth.
- Divide and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Prepare Frosting:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting.
Frosting:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Zest:
- Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and sweetness.
Assembly:
- Layer Cakes:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of lemon curd over the top of the cake layer.
- Frost Cake:
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the lemon curd.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Garnish the cake with additional lemon zest or lemon slices if desired.
- Slice and serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Cake, and enjoy every citrusy bite!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Texture Variation: For added texture, fold in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the cake batter before baking.
- Lemon Syrup: Brush each cake layer with a lemon syrup made by combining equal parts lemon juice and sugar, heated until the sugar dissolves, for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- Decorative Touch: Top the frosted cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or mint leaves for a visually appealing presentation.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high sugar content. However, you can explore keto-friendly cake recipes using almond flour or coconut flour as substitutes for the cake mix, and sugar-free sweeteners for the frosting.
- Low Carb Version: To make a lower carb version, you can use a sugar-free cake mix or bake a homemade almond flour cake. Substitute powdered erythritol or stevia for the powdered sugar in the frosting to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Use Fresh Lemon Juice Instead of Lemon Zest? While lemon zest provides a more concentrated lemon flavor, you can substitute fresh lemon juice in the cake batter and frosting if desired. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble and frost the cake just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Can I Freeze Leftover Cake? Yes, you can freeze leftover cake slices for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Can I Use Homemade Lemon Curd? Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd can be used in place of store-bought lemon curd for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. You can find many homemade lemon curd recipes online.
- Can I Make Cupcakes Instead of a Layer Cake? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make lemon cream cheese cupcakes. Simply portion the batter into lined cupcake pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
In conclusion, our Lemon Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful confection that combines the tangy zestiness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat for a celebration, this cake is sure to dazzle your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. With its moist and tender crumb and luxurious frosting, each bite is a blissful indulgence that will transport you to lemony heaven. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible delight of Lemon Cream Cheese Cake.
