Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for an irresistibly bright, tender cake that brings a burst of sunshine to any table, look no further than this Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting. With a soft, fluffy crumb, zesty lemon flavor in every bite, and a swoon-worthy, creamy lemon frosting, this cake is pure happiness on a plate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Trust me: once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to make this Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting for every gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this cake are simple, classic, and oh-so-important for both flavor and texture. Each one plays a starring role in creating the lightness, moisture, and citrus punch that define a truly exceptional Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and achieves the perfect crumb — don’t substitute for cake flour, or you might lose some body.
• Baking powder: Essential for a sky-high rise and that lovely tenderness.
• Salt: Just a hint to balance out the sweetness and enhance the lemon notes.
• Unsalted butter (cake): Gives that rich, full flavor and contributes to a luxuriously soft mouthfeel.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and works with the butter to create fluffiness.
• Eggs: Key to binding everything together and making the cake airy and light.
• Lemons: Both zest and juice are used, delivering the essential citrus brightness that makes this recipe sing.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an irresistible warmth and rounds out the lemon flavor.
• Whole milk: Moistens the batter and enriches the cake for that perfect tender bite.
• Lemon juice (in batter): Intensifies the citrus punch for full-on lemony deliciousness.
• Unsalted butter (frosting): The base of your creamy, dreamy frosting — make sure it’s nice and soft.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its fluffy, smooth texture and delicate sweetness.
• Lemon juice (in frosting): Adds zing and brightness, making the frosting truly unforgettable.
• Lemon zest (in frosting): For extra citrus aroma and a pop of flavor in every bite.
• Heavy cream: Loosens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency and adds richness.

How to Make Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment circles for easy release and set them aside — this small step makes a big difference when it’s time to serve your Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple blend ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, keeping the cake light and nicely risen without any dense spots.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale, fluffy, and almost doubled in volume—about 3 to 5 minutes. This process traps air in the batter, which creates a softer, loftier texture in your final cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then fold in the lemon zest and vanilla extract. These two ingredients infuse the batter with layers of citrusy aroma and warmth that make this cake shine.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mixing in stages ensures the batter remains smooth and you retain all the air you’ve worked into it, making for an extra tender Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops, then bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Perfect Lemon Frosting

Beat the unsalted butter until creamy and light. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with lemon juice and zest, and finishing with enough heavy cream to create a silky, spreadable consistency. The frosting should be thick yet fluffy, bursting with citrus flavor that makes every bite of your cake simply irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a plate and spread with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second layer and cover the entire cake—sides and top—with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out or swirl it as you like for a beautiful, homemade look. There you have it: Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting, ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your finished Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, a handful of fresh berries, or a few delicate edible flowers. Each adds a splash of color and a touch of elegance, highlighting the cake’s vibrant flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a chilled berry compote. These classic accompaniments enhance the citrus without overshadowing the delightful tang of the lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, slice your Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting into petite squares for a tea party, or layer thin slices in parfait glasses with whipped cream and macerated fruit. The cake’s versatility makes it perfect for both casual get-togethers and elegant occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting (lucky you!), simply cover slices tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The frosting helps keep the cake moist and flavorful, so each bite is delicious even on day three or four.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole (unfrosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature and frosting. The flavor and texture remain wonderfully fresh!

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cake slightly warm, just microwave a slice on a low setting for 10-15 seconds. This method revives the moisture in the crumb and scent of the lemon, making leftover Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting taste like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for this recipe. Bottled juice can taste flat or a bit bitter, while fresh juice brings out the best, zingy citrus flavor in your Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent so the cake stays tender and moist.

Can I use this lemon frosting for cupcakes?

Yes, this frosting is fantastic on cupcakes. It spreads beautifully and pipes well, so you can give your cupcakes a bright, lemony crown just like you’d find on the cake.

What’s the best way to zest lemons for this recipe?

Use a microplane or fine grater, and take only the bright yellow outer layer. That’s where all the flavor lives! Avoid the white pith underneath, which can be bitter and detract from your Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting.

How do I keep my cake extra moist?

Be careful not to overbake — check for doneness starting at 25 minutes, and remove from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Using room temperature ingredients and measuring each one carefully also helps lock in that perfect, soft texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something zesty, bright, and downright delightful, this Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting is your perfect answer. I can’t wait for you to give it a try — each slice is a little slice of sunshine, and I just know you’ll love sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!

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