Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring. With its light, fluffy layers and tangy frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply to brighten your day. The refreshing lemon flavor and creamy texture make it a unique treat that will impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Refreshing: The bright lemon flavor lifts your spirits and adds a zesty twist to any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sunny day, this cake is suitable for any celebration.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors from the lemon zest and optional food coloring make this cake visually appealing.
- Creamy Frosting: The lemon cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the cake.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch cake pans: These provide the perfect shape and size for even baking of your layers.
- Electric mixer: It saves time and effort when beating ingredients to achieve that fluffy texture.
- Wire cooling rack: This allows air circulation around the cakes so they cool evenly without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
This sunny lemon velvet cake is pure citrus bliss! The tender cake layers and luscious lemon cream cheese frosting make for the ultimate taste of springtime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cake flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
– 2 large eggs
– 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp lemon extract
– 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 tsp white vinegar
– 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
– 4-6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
– 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
– 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
– 4-5 cups powdered sugar
– 1-2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
– 4-5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients until well combined:
all-purpose flour
cake flour
baking soda
baking powder
salt
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together these wet ingredients until light and fluffy:
granulated sugar
vegetable oil
butter-flavored shortening
eggs
vanilla extract
lemon extract
lemon zest
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alternate mixing in the dry ingredients with buttermilk into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
Step 5: Add Liquid Mixture
Mix the white vinegar with hot lemon water in a separate bowl. Then stir this mixture into the batter along with food coloring if you’re using it.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until centers are just set.
Step 7: Cool Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
To prepare the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Gradually mix in extracts, zest, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled, frost each layer with your luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving lemon velvet cake with lemon cream cheese frosting can elevate any gathering. The bright flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful treat for various occasions.
For Afternoon Tea
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into small, elegant slices. Pair with a cup of herbal tea for a refreshing afternoon delight.
- Miniature Bundles: Create mini versions of the cake in cupcake form, topped with generous dollops of frosting for easy serving.
As a Birthday Dessert
- Layered Presentation: Stack the cake layers on a decorative stand. Add fresh fruit or edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Personalized Toppers: Customize slices with fun birthday-themed cake toppers to add a festive touch.
During Celebrations
- Festive Platter: Arrange slices on a beautiful platter with complementary desserts like macarons or cookies for a dessert table.
- Garnished Slices: Top each slice with candied lemon peel or zest for added flavor and visual appeal.
With Coffee Pairings
- Coffee Break Treats: Serve alongside rich coffee options like espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Flavored Creams: Offer flavored whipped cream as an accompaniment to enhance the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting your lemon velvet cake is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve that ideal texture and flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and high-quality butter enhance the flavor of your cake significantly.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, resulting in a fluffier batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to density.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and maintains presentation.
- Adjust Sugar Gradually: When mixing in powdered sugar for the frosting, adjust according to taste for perfect sweetness.
- Experiment with Zest: Feel free to add more lemon zest if you prefer a bolder citrus flavor in both the cake and frosting.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your lemon velvet cake enhances the overall meal experience. Consider these options for a balanced spread.
- Fresh Berry Salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries tossed in honey adds freshness that complements the cake beautifully.
- Light Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and mint provides a healthy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Citrus Spinach Salad: Spinach topped with orange segments, walnuts, and feta drizzled with citrus vinaigrette pairs well with lemon flavors.
- Herbed Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs create a savory balance that works nicely alongside dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offer guests savory bites that offset the sweetness of the cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: This light, icy treat serves as a palate cleanser before indulging in the rich flavors of your lemon velvet cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be easy and fun, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to your success.
- Skipping the Zest: Failing to include lemon zest can dull the cake’s flavor. Always add fresh zest for a vibrant taste.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a light texture.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect mixing and baking. Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature beforehand.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can melt your frosting. Let the cake cool completely before applying frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap the cake in foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I use regular butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It may slightly change the texture but will still be delicious!
How do I achieve the perfect lemon flavor?
Use fresh lemons for zest and juice. The more fresh ingredients you use, the better the flavor.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes in advance and freeze them. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve.
What sizes of cake pans should I use?
For this recipe, two 9-inch round cake pans work best. Ensure they are greased and floured properly.
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! While lemon cream cheese frosting complements this cake well, you could use vanilla buttercream or even whipped cream as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings brightness to any occasion. Its moist layers paired with creamy frosting create a refreshing dessert perfect for spring or summer gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding fresh berries or experimenting with different extracts!

Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a refreshing dessert that embodies the spirit of spring. This delightful cake features light and fluffy layers infused with zesty lemon flavor, topped with creamy lemon cream cheese frosting that adds an indulgent touch. Whether for a birthday celebration, a spring gathering, or simply as a treat to brighten your day, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Its vibrant appearance and exquisite taste make it a standout dessert that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon extract
- 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
- 4–6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
- 4–5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, vegetable oil, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk until just combined.
- Mix white vinegar with hot lemon water and stir into the batter along with food coloring if desired.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; gradually mix in powdered sugar and extracts until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake layers generously with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg