Description: This Creamy Lemon Cake is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with a smooth, creamy texture. The soft, moist cake is complemented by a rich lemon cream filling and a light lemon glaze, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether for a special occasion, a summer gathering, or just to satisfy your lemon cravings, this cake is sure to delight with every bite.
Origin: Lemon cakes are a popular dessert in many cultures, with variations found across the globe. The combination of lemon and cream has been a favorite for centuries, particularly in European baking traditions. This cake brings a modern twist to the classic lemon flavor, with a creamy filling that elevates the traditional cake experience.
Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated 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.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese, adding the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Make the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly runny.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread the creamy lemon filling over the bottom layer, then place the top layer of the cake back on top.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. Allow the cake to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the glaze set.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve your creamy lemon cake! Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
- Lemon flavor: For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a few extra teaspoons of lemon juice to the cream filling or glaze.
- Make ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead of time. Allow the cake to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Filling: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling.
Recommendations:
- Serve this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- For a festive touch, garnish the cake with fresh lemon slices or a sprig of mint.
Nutrition (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 280-320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
This Creamy Lemon Cake is a light and refreshing dessert with the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy richness. It’s an ideal treat for any occasion, guaranteed to impress anyone who loves citrusy, creamy desserts!
