Description
A soft, moist lemon-flavored cake with a creamy frosting and delicate crumb topping for the perfect citrusy treat. Perfect for any occasion that calls for a fresh, zesty dessert!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color, optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup cake crumbs (from trimmed cake edges)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and turmeric (if using). Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in lemon juice and zest.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread a layer of frosting between the cake layers and over the top.
Make the Crumb Topping:
- Crumble a small portion of the cake trimmings, mix with melted butter and sugar, then sprinkle over the frosted cake.
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this citrusy, velvet-textured delight!
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest and juice to the frosting.
- The turmeric is optional but can help give the cake a richer golden color.
- For added texture, you can also include crushed almonds or coconut in the crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Baking, Cake
- Method: Baking, Frosting
- Cuisine: American, Homemade
