Heavenly Lemonade Cream Cheese Layer Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for frosting)
- Fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
12. Beat in lemon juice and lemon zest until the frosting is light and fluffy.
13. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
14. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves if desired. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Tips:
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
For an extra lemony punch, brush each cake layer with a lemon simple syrup before frosting.