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+ servings
Lemon Cream Cake

Lemon Cream Cake

Lemon cream cake features a perfect balance of rich and refreshing flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • stand mixer
  • Small Saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Lemon Syrup

  • cup granulated sugar
  • cup fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Mascarpone Cream Filling

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparing the Cake Layers

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Mix in the vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Lemon Syrup

  • In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly before using.
  • Using a pastry brush or a spoon, evenly drizzle the lemon syrup over both cake layers while they are still warm. Let the cakes absorb the syrup completely before assembling.

Preparing the Lemon Mascarpone Cream Filling

  • In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the room-temperature mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preparing the Crumb Topping

  • Spread the all-purpose flour on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Let it cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the toasted flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake

  • If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the lemon mascarpone cream filling on top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the cake.
  • Gently press the crumb topping onto the top and sides of the cake.
  • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Notes

Applying the lemon syrup while the cake is still warm allows for better absorption, ensuring a moist and flavorful cake. The cake layers can be baked and frozen in advance. Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38g
Keyword cake, Creamy, dessert, lemon, Lemon Cream Cake, sweet
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