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The Ultimate Lemon Layer Cake


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  • Author: sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful layered cake that combines fluffy sponge with creamy buttercream and zesty lemon curd, perfect for any celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (336g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 1/4 cups (504g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
  • 9 1/2 cups (1093g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (for frosting)
  • 23 tbsp lemon juice (for frosting)
  • Yellow gel icing color
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (for curd)
  • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest (for curd)
  • 1/3 cup (69g) sugar (for curd)
  • 4 egg yolks (for curd)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) salted butter (for curd)
  • 1 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin
  • 4 1/2 tbsp (68ml) lemon juice (for Bavarian cream)
  • 3 egg yolks (for Bavarian cream)
  • 1 3/4 cup (420ml) heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 3 tbsp (26g) sugar (for Bavarian cream)
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract (for Bavarian cream)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (for Bavarian cream)
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar (for Bavarian cream)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar in your stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add egg whites, vanilla extract, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Beat the unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt for the buttercream.
  9. Pour in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix on low until smooth and creamy.
  10. Combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks over low heat in a saucepan for the curd, whisking constantly until it thickens.
  11. Incorporate butter into the curd mixture until fully melted. Allow to cool.
  12. Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes for the Bavarian cream.
  13. Whisk together lemon juice and gelatin over low heat in a saucepan until dissolved.
  14. Fold the lemon mixture into whipped heavy cream until just combined for the Bavarian cream.
  15. Assemble the cake by layering with buttercream and lemon curd, and finish with a smooth coat of buttercream.

Notes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Cake layers can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 55g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 75g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg