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Lemon Cake with Fluffy, Less-Sweet Lemon Frosting Recipe

Lemon Cake with Fluffy, Less-Sweet Lemon Frosting Recipe
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4.7 from 10 reviews

This Lemon Cake with Fluffy, Less-Sweet Lemon Frosting is a delightful spring dessert that balances tangy citrus flavors with a light, airy texture. The cake is moist and tender, complemented by a zesty frosting that is not overly sweet. Perfect for any occasion, this lemon cake will brighten up your table and your taste buds.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (as needed for fluffiness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  4. Combine: Whisk together milk and sour cream in a separate bowl. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk mixture to the batter, mixing just until combined.
  5. Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 28–32 minutes. Let cool before frosting.
  6. Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, adding heavy cream as needed for fluffiness.
  7. Frost cake: Frost the cooled cake and garnish with lemon slices or zest.

Notes

  • This frosting is designed to be tangy and fluffy without being overly sweet.
  • You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the lemon juice and powdered sugar amounts.
  • Store cake covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/lemon-cake-with-fluffy-less-sweet-lemon-frosting-recipe/