Perfect Rich Lemon Vanilla Cake
With its soft texture, delightful lemon aroma, and cheesecake frosting on top, it’s bakery-quality! Refreshing yet rich, it’s the kind of cake everyone will want.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
• 2 + 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour or cake flour
• 1 + 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
• 1 cup (226 g) softened butter
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
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Cheesecake Cream (Frosting)
Thick, creamy, lemony, and silky, like a cheesecake layer on top of the cake.
• 1 cup (226 g) softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 g) softened butter
• 3 + 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
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Directions
1. Prepare the Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or two 8-inch round pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest and mix.
6. Add the sour cream, buttermilk, and oil.
7. Gently fold the dry mixture into the batter in 2–3 batches using a spatula.
8. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean:
28–35 minutes.
10. Let cool completely before starting the cream.
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2. Make the Cheesecake Frosting
1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar to increase the volume.
3. Add the lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
4. Achieve a spreadable, velvety consistency.
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3. Assemble the Cake
• Spread a thick layer of cheesecake over the cooled cake.
• For the topping, you can add:
• Lemon zest strips
• White chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries).
⸻ Flavor Enhancement Tips
• Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract for a more intense lemon flavor.
• Use cake flour for a velvety texture.
• Spread a thin layer of lemon curd under the cheesecake cream for extra acidity.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before slicing for cleaner, more professional slices.
