How to Make an Easy Lemon Layer Cake in 10 Steps

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5: Add in the dry ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk.

Step 6: Add in the zest of 2 lemons and the juice of 1 lemon.

Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Once cooled, spread a layer of lemon curd between the two cakes and top with a lemon buttercream frosting. Enjoy!

Decorating Ideas for Your Lemon Layer Cake

1. Create a lemon glaze to drizzle over the top of the cake. To make the glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Whisk the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy.

2. Top the cake with a lemon cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3. Decorate the cake with lemon slices. Arrange thin slices of lemon around the top of the cake.

4. Sprinkle the top of the cake with lemon zest. Use a microplane grater to finely grate the zest of one lemon over the top of the cake.

5. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the top of the cake. This will add a nice pop of color and a hint of minty flavor.

6. Place a few edible flowers on top of the cake. Edible flowers such as pansies, violets, and nasturtiums are a beautiful way to decorate a cake.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Lemon Layer Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk.

6. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of one lemon.

7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cakes are cooled, make the lemon buttercream frosting. In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 4 cups of powdered sugar.

11. Beat in the juice of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

12. Spread the frosting between the two layers of cake and on the top and sides.

13. Decorate with lemon slices or zest, if desired. Enjoy!

The Best Lemon Layer Cake Recipes to Try

Lemon layer cakes are a classic dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing summer treat or a decadent winter dessert, a lemon layer cake is sure to please. Here are some of the best lemon layer cake recipes to try.

1. Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: This classic lemon layer cake is made with a light and fluffy lemon cake and topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. The combination of the tart lemon flavor and the sweet cream cheese frosting is sure to be a hit.

2. Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake: This delicious cake is made with a moist lemon cake and filled with a sweet blueberry filling. The cake is then topped with a light and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting.

3. Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake: This delicious cake is made with a moist lemon cake and filled with a sweet raspberry filling. The cake is then topped with a light and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting.

4. Lemon Coconut Layer Cake: This delicious cake is made with a moist lemon cake and filled with a sweet coconut filling. The cake is then topped with a light and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting.

5. Lemon Poppy Seed Layer Cake: This delicious cake is made with a moist lemon cake and filled with a sweet poppy seed filling. The cake is then topped with a light and fluffy lemon cream cheese frosting.

No matter which recipe you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious lemon layer cake that will be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Lemon Layer Cake

1. Lemon Cake French Toast: Transform your leftover lemon layer cake into a delicious breakfast treat. Cut the cake into thick slices and dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a pinch of sugar. Fry the slices in a pan until golden brown and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

2. Lemon Cake Trifle: Layer cubes of lemon layer cake with a mixture of whipped cream, lemon curd, and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert. Top with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a crunchy finish.

3. Lemon Cake Milkshake: Blend cubes of lemon layer cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a splash of milk, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a creamy and flavorful milkshake.

4. Lemon Cake Pops: Cut the cake into small cubes and dip them in melted white chocolate. Place the cake pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool in the refrigerator. Serve with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

5. Lemon Cake Parfait: Layer cubes of lemon layer cake with a mixture of Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh berries for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack. Top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Easy lemon layer cake