Lemon Layer Cake
Declan Kennedy
| 12-11-2026
· Cate teamLemon layer cake is a delicious homemade dessert featuring soft, fluffy cake layers, tangy lemon curd, and smooth cream cheese frosting.
Its refreshing citrus flavor balances the sweetness, making it a lovely choice for birthdays, family gatherings, or afternoon treats. With fresh lemon juice and zest, this recipe creates a fragrant cake that is both attractive and satisfying.
Ingredients for 16 Servings
For the Cake:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 4 1/2–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces prepared lemon curd
Preparation and Baking Time
- Preparation time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Baking time: 30–36 minutes
- Cooling and assembly: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: 16
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper to make removing the cakes easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Ingredients
Wash and dry the lemons. Finely grate the yellow outer skin to collect 2 tablespoons of zest, avoiding the bitter white layer underneath. Squeeze fresh lemons and measure 1 tablespoon of juice for the cake. Reserve another 1–2 tablespoons for the frosting.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 1/3 cups milk or buttermilk, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Beat with an electric mixer for approximately 2 minutes until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, add 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk for about 30 seconds to distribute everything evenly.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula and mix briefly again. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the surfaces. Bake for 30–36 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cakes are ready. Otherwise, bake for another 2–3 minutes and check again.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10–15 minutes. Carefully remove them and transfer them to cooling racks. Allow both layers to cool completely before adding the filling or frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
Place 1 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat for 4–5 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, followed by 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste. Mix until creamy. Add more powdered sugar if the frosting is too soft.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 8 ounces lemon curd evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Add a layer of cream cheese frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting, smoothing it with a spatula.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled cake for 20–30 minutes to help the frosting set. Slice into approximately 16 portions and serve.
Storage and Baking Tips
Keep leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator because the filling and frosting contain dairy ingredients. For easier frosting, chill the cooled cake layers in the freezer for 30 minutes before assembly. This makes them firmer and less likely to crumble.
Final Thoughts
This homemade lemon layer cake combines fresh citrus flavor with soft cake, smooth lemon curd, and creamy frosting. By preparing each component carefully and allowing enough cooling time, we can create a beautiful dessert that is suitable for both everyday enjoyment and special gatherings.
Lemon Layer Cake
Video by Life, Love and Sugar