Best 9 Luscious Lemon Layer Cake Recipes

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A luscious lemon layer cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its bright, citrusy flavor, this tantalizing treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will provide you with all the information you need to create a delectable lemon layer cake that will wow your taste buds. We'll explore the key ingredients and techniques involved in creating this delightful dessert, from selecting the perfect lemons to achieving the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness. Along the way, we'll also uncover some creative variations and decorating ideas to make your lemon layer cake truly unforgettable. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this irresistible treat.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

LUCIOUS LEMON CAKE



Lucious Lemon Cake image

This Lemon Cake Recipe is so luscious and fluffy. It's the perfect lemon cake full of lemon flavor, and you are going to love it!

Provided by Rachel (The Stay At Home Chef)

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup salted butter (softened)
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cups softened butter
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
5-6 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Grease three 9-inch pans. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together.
  • Use a fork to combine the eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract together in a bowl or 2 cup liquid measuring cup. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix in until just combined. Add in half of the milk mixture and combine. Add in another ⅓ of the dry ingredients until combined followed by the remainder of the buttermilk mixture. Add in the remainder of the dry ingredients and mix with the hand mixer until just combined, using a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom to make sure everything is mixed in. Gently fold in lemon zest.
  • Divide the batter among the three prepared pans. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Let sit in pans for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before layering and frosting.
  • In a large mixing bowl use a hand mixer to beat together butter and cream cheese until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until just combined,
  • Slowly mix in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Use to frost completely cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 678 kcal, Carbohydrate 87 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 35 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Cholesterol 124 mg, Sodium 405 mg, Sugar 64 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LEMON LAYER CAKE



Lemon Layer Cake image

This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. -Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup 2% milk
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
SYRUP:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: Lemon slices or edible flowers

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease parchment., Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and juice. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and milk. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 24-28 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool slightly., For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; beat in confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and salt until blended., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Brush layers with warm syrup; cool completely., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup frosting. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. If desired, top with lemon slices or edible flowers. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 841 calories, Fat 48g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 219mg cholesterol, Sodium 656mg sodium, Carbohydrate 96g carbohydrate (72g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

LUSCIOUS LEMON CAKE



Luscious Lemon Cake image

Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup sour cream
8 large eggs, separated
Lemon Filling (recipe follows)
Fluffy Lemon Frosting (recipe follows)
Garnish: lemon wedges, lemon curls
3/4 cup water, divided
1 (1/4-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
8 egg yolks (reserved from Luscious Lemon Cake batter)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. In a large bowl, beat butter and next 3 ingredients with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour and next 3 ingredients. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in sour cream. In another large bowl, beat egg whites (reserve yolks for Lemon Filling, recipe follows) with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into batter. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks. Spread Lemon Filling between layers. Spread Fluffy Lemon Frosting on top and sides of cake. Garnish with lemon wedges and curls, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup water and gelatin; let stand for 5 minutes or until softened. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks, lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, and whisk in gelatin mixture and butter until melted and smooth. Pour mixture into a small bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap directly on surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, cream, and zest with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth. Add whipped topping, beating until smooth.

LUSCIOUS LAYERED LEMON CAKE RECIPE



Luscious Layered Lemon Cake Recipe image

Celebrate any season with this Luscious Layered Lemon Cake Recipe. This Luscious Layered Lemon Cake Recipe has creamy fillings between the 4 lemony layers.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 2h

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1/4 cup COUNTRY TIME Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix
Zest and juice from 1 lemon, divided
1/2 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin
1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S White Chocolate, finely chopped
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

Steps:

  • Prepare cake batter and bake in 2 (9-inch) round pans as directed on package, blending dry drink mix and lemon zest into batter before pouring into prepared pans. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
  • Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add chocolate; stir until melted. Stir in milk and lemon juice. Refrigerate 15 min. or until thickened but not set. Gently stir in COOL WHIP.
  • Cut each cake layer horizontally into 2 layers. Stack on plate, spreading COOL WHIP mixture between layers and on top of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 260 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 0.6902 g, Sugar 27 g, Protein 3 g

LUSCIOUS LEMON LAYER PIE



Luscious Lemon Layer Pie image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h26m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup cold water
3 egg yolks, well beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
3 drops yellow food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cup cold whole milk
2 packages instant lemon pudding
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 ounces whipped cream or dessert topping

Steps:

  • Pie Crust: Whisk flour with a fork while still in the bag or canister. Gently spoon out flour into measuring cups. (This reduces flour by as much as 1/8 to 1/4 cup).
  • Then sift flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add shortening and cut into pea sized bits with pastry blender. Add cold water gradually until just dampened. Place on waxed paper and gather into ball from the outside corners. Press dough into a 6-inch pancake shape. Wrap with plastic wrap.
  • Chill at least 30 minutes and then roll out between two large pieces of plastic wrap. Remove one side of plastic wrap, lightly flour if necessary and place into a 9-inch clear glass deep dish pan.
  • Remove plastic wrap and flute edges. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Use extra pastry for cut-outs in the shapes of lemons, stars, etc. for decoration.
  • Bottom Layer: In saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix with wire whisk; blend in lemon juice and cold water; then add egg yolks and blend until smooth. Add butter and gradually stir in boiling water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil 2 minutes; remove from heat and add lemon extract, zest/peel, and food coloring. Partially cool for 30 minutes, and pour into the baked pie shell. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before adding second layer.
  • Second Layer: In a small bowl, cream sugar and cream cheese with spatula until smooth. Add milk and stir until well blended. Add pudding and beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes until thickened. Pour on bottom layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Top Layer: Cream together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip and spread on top of cooled lemon pudding. Garnish with extra pastry cutouts, citrus or mint leaves. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

LUSCIOUS LEMON LAYER PIE



Luscious Lemon Layer Pie image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     dessert

Time 53m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup cold water
3 egg yolks, well beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
3 drops yellow food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
2 packages instant lemon pudding
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 ounces whipped cream or dessert topping

Steps:

  • Pie Crust: Whisk flour with a fork while still in the bag or cannister. Gently spoon out flour into measuring cups. (This reduces flour by as much as 1/8 to 1/4 cup).
  • Then sift flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add shortening and cut into pea sized bits with pastry blender. Add cold water gradually until just dampened. Place on waxed paper and gather into ball from the outside corners. Press dough into a 6-inch pancake shape. Wrap with plastic wrap.
  • Chill at least 30 minutes and then roll out between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Remove 1 side of plastic wrap, lightly flour, if necessary, and place into a 9-inch clear glass deep dish pan.
  • Remove plastic wrap and flute edges. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Use extra pastry for cut-outs in the shapes of lemons, stars, etc. for decoration.
  • Bottom Layer: In saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix with wire whisk; blend in lemon juice and cold water; then add egg yolks and blend until smooth. Add butter and gradually stir in boiling water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil 2 minutes; remove from heat and add lemon extract, zest/peel, and food coloring. Partially cool for 30 minutes, and pour into the baked pie shell. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before adding second layer.
  • Second Layer: In a small bowl, cream sugar and cream cheese with spatula until smooth. Add milk and stir until well blended. Add pudding and beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes until thickened. Pour on bottom layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Top Layer: Cream together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the whipped dessert topping and spread on top of cooled lemon pudding. Garnish with extra pastry cutouts, citrus or mint leaves. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.
  • This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The FN chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

LUSCIOUS LEMON CAKE



Luscious Lemon Cake image

This is the lightest, most moist cake! And delicious, too! I always get requests for it, and the recipe. You can change the flavors of the cake, the Jell-O, and the pudding, too! How about a blue Jell-O cake, and vanilla pudding in the fosting, tinted with pink with food coloring for a baby shower? And with sugar free Jell-O's and Lite Cool Whip, not much guilt eating it, either!

Provided by ciao4293

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (18 ounce) box yellow cake mix
3 eggs (or as called for by your cake mix)
1/3 cup oil (or as called for by your cake mix)
1 1/3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mix)
2 cups boiling water
2 (1/3 ounce) boxes sugar-free lemon Jell-O powder
1 cup cold skim milk
1 (1 ounce) box sugar-free instant lemon pudding (4 serving)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip Free

Steps:

  • Prepare the cake mix according to the box, and bake as directed in 2 round pans.
  • Remove from the pans to cool.
  • Put the cakes back in pans, and poke cakes all over with a fork.
  • Mix the boiling water with the Jell-O until dissolved.
  • Pour half over each layer, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  • TO MAKE THE FROSTING: Pour milk into a bowl.
  • Add pudding mix and powdered sugar.
  • Blend with a wire whisk.
  • Stir in the Cool Whip until completely combined.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To frost, dip one cake pan in hot water for about 10 seconds.
  • Unmold it onto serving plate.
  • Spread with about 1 cup of frosting.
  • Top with second layer, then frost top and sides of cake.
  • Keep cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.2, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 54.1, Sodium 312.8, Carbohydrate 37.5, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 21, Protein 5.1

LUSCIOUS LEMON TRUFFLE CAKE



Luscious Lemon Truffle Cake image

This elegant silvery white cake is layered with a fresh lemon filling made with white chocolate and cream cheese. It is a lovely dessert for an Easter luncheon.

Provided by Olha7397

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup unsalted butter or 3/4 cup white vegetable shortening, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon, zest of
1 cup chopped white chocolate chips or 1 cup vanilla baking chips (6 ounces)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
shaved white chocolate, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • MAKE THE CAKE.
  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter or shortening.
  • Blend until the butter is evenly mixed.
  • Add the vanilla.
  • Beat at low speed for 1 minute, then increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl constantly, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.
  • Gently but thoroughly fold the whites into the cake batter.
  • Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cakes feel firm when touched in the center.
  • Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
  • Split the cooled layers horizontally to make 4 layers in all.
  • TO MAKE THE FILLING, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  • Whisk in the water until smooth.
  • Cook over medium high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks with a fork.
  • Stir about 1/4 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; blend well.
  • Add the egg yolk mixture to the mixture in the saucepan.
  • Cook over low heat until the mixture boils, whisking constantly, then continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and lemon juice and zest.
  • Transfer half of the hot filling to a small bowl and cool for 15 minutes.
  • Add the white chocolate to the hot filling in the saucepan and stir until the chocolate is melted; set aside.
  • In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
  • Beat in the white chocolate mixture until light and smooth.
  • Spread one third of the white chocolate filling over one layer of the cake.
  • Top with a second cake layer, then spread with one third more of the filling; top with a third cake layer and spread the remaining filling over.
  • Top with the last cake layer and spread reserved lemon mixture.
  • Refrigerate, uncovered, 2 to 3 hours, until the filling is set.
  • MAKE THE FROSTING.
  • In another bowl, whip the cream and sweeten it with the confectioners’ sugar.
  • Frost the sides of the cake with half of the whipped cream frosting.
  • Put the remaining frosting into a pastry bag and pipe decoratively around the top and bottom edge of the cake.
  • Garnish with shaved white chocolate.
  • Refrigerate up to 8 hours before serving.
  • Makes 16 servings.
  • The Great Holiday Baking Book Beatrice Ojakangas.

LUSCIOUS LEMON POKE CAKE



Luscious Lemon Poke Cake image

Explore this delightful recipe for lemon poke cake. Simple yet scrumptious, you'll want to tell everyone about this Luscious Lemon Poke Cake!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 4h30m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 round white cake layers (9 inch), cooled
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Steps:

  • Place cake layers, top sides up, in 2 clean 9-inch round pans. Pierce cakes with large fork at 1/2-inch intervals.
  • Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Carefully pour over cake layers. Refrigerate 3 hours.
  • Beat pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min.; stir in COOL WHIP. Dip 1 cake pan in warm water 10 sec.; unmold onto plate. Spread with about 1 cup pudding mixture. Unmold second cake layer; carefully place on first cake layer. Frost top and side of cake with remaining pudding mixture. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 360 mg, Carbohydrate 42 g, Fiber 0.6469 g, Sugar 29 g, Protein 3 g

Tips:

  • For a smooth batter, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a tender crumb.
  • Gradually add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to prevent curdling.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure even distribution and avoid lumps.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients to maintain a smooth consistency.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
  • For even baking, divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and tap them gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  • Bake the cakes in a preheated oven to ensure they rise properly and have a consistent texture.
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a smooth and creamy frosting, beat the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and milk, adjusting the consistency as needed.
  • When assembling the cake, place a layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand, top with frosting, then repeat with the remaining layers, ending with a layer of frosting.
  • Decorate the cake as desired with additional frosting, lemon zest, or other embellishments.

Conclusion:

With careful attention to detail and a touch of patience, you can create a stunning and delicious Luscious Lemon Layer Cake that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist and tender cake layers, tangy lemon frosting, and bright lemon flavor makes this cake a true delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe provides clear instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a masterpiece that's sure to impress and satisfy.

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