Description
A delightful and tangy Italian Lemon Cream Cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the lemon cream. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of lemon cream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining lemon cream.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves if desired. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- You can also add fresh berries between the layers for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg