Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling and Lemon Butter Frosting

Introduction:

Lemon cake has been a favorite for generations, offering a bright, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with any occasion. The refreshing citrus notes make it the perfect dessert for spring and summer events, but it’s also enjoyed year-round. This Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling and Lemon Butter Frosting is a delightful treat that brings together the zing of fresh lemon with the rich smoothness of butter and sugar. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup butter

For the Lemon Butter Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency)
A pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Lemon Cake:

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and lemon zest: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Lemon Filling:

Prepare the filling mixture: In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and cornstarch together. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot lemon mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly (this is called tempering). Gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture.
Cook the filling: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter. Let the lemon filling cool to room temperature.

For the Lemon Butter Frosting:

Cream butter and powdered sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add lemon zest and juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Season with a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Assembling the Cake:

Layer the cake: Once the cakes have cooled, slice each one in half horizontally to create four layers.
Fill the cake: Spread a generous amount of the lemon filling on the top of the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and repeat, continuing until all layers are stacked.
Frost the cake: Once the layers are assembled, cover the entire cake with a layer of the lemon butter frosting. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate (optional): For an extra touch, decorate the cake with additional lemon zest, lemon slices, or even edible flowers.

History of Lemon Cake:

Lemon cake dates back to the early 20th century, although cakes flavored with citrus have been enjoyed for centuries. In the late 1800s, lemons were more readily available, and their bright, tart flavor became a popular addition to desserts. The classic combination of lemons with butter and sugar created a refreshing cake that stood out from other sweeter options of the time.

The development of baking powder in the 19th century made it easier to create light, fluffy cakes that incorporated citrus flavors. As society moved into the 20th century, lemon cake became a staple for afternoon teas, celebrations, and special occasions. Today, the cake is a modern classic and is often served at spring and summer gatherings, symbolizing the warmth and freshness of the seasons.

Formation of the Cake:

The structure of the lemon cake is simple but elegant, consisting of a light, fluffy cake that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon filling and the smooth butter frosting. The cake’s formation relies on three essential components:

The Cake: The base layer of flavor, with the right balance of sweetness and tartness from the lemon juice and zest.
The Filling: The lemon filling adds a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the frosting, offering a refreshing layer.
The Frosting: The buttery, creamy frosting envelops the cake, adding richness and a perfect finish to the zesty lemon layers.

This combination of textures—fluffy cake, tangy filling, and creamy frosting—ensures each bite is a balance of sweet and tart, with just enough lemon flavor to make it irresistible.

Conclusion:

Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling and Lemon Butter Frosting is the epitome of a refreshing dessert. The cake’s light, airy texture complements the creamy frosting, while the lemon filling offers a zesty surprise in every slice. Whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding, or just a sunny afternoon, this cake will surely bring smiles to all who enjoy it. The balance of citrus and sweetness makes it an ideal treat for any occasion, leaving everyone craving just one more slice.

For the Lovers of Lemon Cake:

For those who adore the tangy, sweet nature of lemon desserts, this cake will quickly become a favorite. The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice ensures that the flavor shines through, making this lemon cake a perfect option for those who appreciate citrusy delights. Whether you’re a fan of simple lemon cakes or more complex layered desserts, this cake offers a bit of everything for lemon lovers. It’s the kind of dessert that brightens up any gathering and makes every occasion feel a little more special.