Zesty Lemon Cake with Luscious Curd Frosting

Name: Zesty Lemon Cake with Luscious Curd Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour; Granulated Sugar; Baking Powder; Salt; Unsalted Butter; Lemon Zest; Fresh Lemon Juice; Eggs; Heavy Cream; Lemon Curd

Posted on March 23, 2025

The moment you slice into this Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Frosting, the vibrant yellow interior reveals itself like a sunbeam breaking through clouds. The sweet-tart aroma wafts through the air, promising a delightful zing that dances on your palate. This cake is not just a treat; it’s like a party in your mouth every time you take a bite.

I remember the first time I made this beauty for my sister’s birthday. As her eyes lit up upon the first taste, I knew I had created something magical. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply to make any ordinary day feel special—because let’s be real, who doesn’t want an excuse to eat cake?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a breeze to prepare and guarantees impressive results without fuss
The bright flavors and beautiful presentation are sure to steal the show at any gathering
Plus, it’s versatile enough for brunches or afternoon tea!

I once served this luscious creation at a family gathering and received rave reviews from everyone—especially my aunt who doesn’t usually enjoy sweets!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it provides the structure every cake needs.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up; sugar not only adds sweetness but helps create that lovely crumb.
Baking Powder: Ensure freshness; it helps the cake rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor; balance out the sweetness for a more complex taste.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming; it creates a rich flavor and tender texture.
Lemon Zest: Adds an intense citrusy fragrance; always zest fresh lemons for maximum flavor impact.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is essential; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it in terms of brightness.
Eggs: They provide moisture and structure; use large eggs for best results.
Heavy Cream: For the frosting; adds richness and creaminess to your lemon curd frosting.
Lemon Curd: You can buy it or make your own; it’s essential for that zesty topping.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans carefully so your cakes can slide right out.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This mix is vital for even baking.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while beating until light and fluffy—around 3 minutes should do!

Add Eggs and Zest : Incorporate eggs one at a time into the mixture. Add lemon zest during this step to infuse that signature citrus flavor.

Combine Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, mix together lemon juice and heavy cream. Gradually add this mixture into your batter until everything is smooth.

Bake Cakes : Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Cakes : Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare Frosting : While cakes cool down, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in cooled lemon curd until fluffy yet smooth.

Assemble Cake : Once cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top before adding second layer. Frost sides and top as desired!

With each forkful of this cake topped with luscious frosting bursting with zesty goodness, every bite becomes pure happiness! So here’s to sweet moments filled with laughter—all thanks to this delightful Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Frosting!

You Must Know

This delightful Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Frosting brightens any gathering
The zesty aroma fills the kitchen, making it irresistible
Its light, fluffy texture paired with creamy frosting creates a heavenly experience
Perfect for celebrations or just because you can!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that happens, combine your dry ingredients and whisk them together. Then, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy before adding eggs and lemon zest for brightness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free option. You can also add poppy seeds for an extra crunch or use lime instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Lemon Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it will last up to a week; let it come to room temperature before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always measure your flour accurately; too much can make the cake dense
Let the cake cool completely before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt
Use fresh lemons for more vibrant flavor and zest that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Baking this Lemon Cake reminded me of my childhood birthday parties when my mom would whip up lemon desserts. The joy on my friends’ faces was priceless, especially when they got to lick the frosting bowl!

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Using fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled juices.

How can I make my lemon cake more moist?

Adding sour cream or buttermilk can help keep your cake moist and delicious.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute.