Luscious Lemon Layers
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly indulgent, Luscious Lemon Layers is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers. This show-stopping cake combines tender, buttery layers infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. Each tier is generously frosted with a velvety cream cheese frosting, while optional layers of lemon curd add an extra burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you need a radiant centerpiece, this three-layer cake is as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. Garnished with fresh lemon slices or zest, it’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and a prep time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is a citrusy dream come true!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 slices fresh lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup lemon curd (optional, for layering)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
If desired, spread a thin layer of lemon curd between the cake layers before frosting. Stack the cakes and frost the top and sides with the cream cheese frosting.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices or additional lemon zest if desired. Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Serve and enjoy your Luscious Lemon Layers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.8 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 137 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 318 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.7 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 80.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 127 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
