Easter Lemon Cake Recipe: A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite

This Easter Lemon Cake Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate spring. Bright, zesty, and incredibly moist, this cake is a delightful departure from the usual chocolate and vanilla offerings. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, but delivers a sophisticated flavor that will impress your guests.

Why This Easter Lemon Cake Recipe is a Must-Try

Easter is a time for fresh starts and vibrant flavors, and this lemon cake embodies both. The tangy lemon curd filling and the sweet, fluffy frosting create a perfect balance, while the delicate lemon zest in the cake itself adds a subtle, fragrant touch. This Easter lemon cake recipe is not only delicious, it’s also visually stunning. The bright yellow hue of the cake and the creamy white frosting create a beautiful contrast that’s perfect for your Easter table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet family meal, this cake is sure to be a highlight.

Slice of Easter Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Filling

Baking the Perfect Lemon Cake: Tips & Techniques

The key to a perfect lemon cake lies in the details. First, use fresh lemons for both the zest and the juice. The flavor is simply incomparable. Second, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Finally, be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, beautiful finish. These simple tips will help you create a truly exceptional Easter lemon cake.

Lemon Curd: The Star of the Show

While the cake itself is delicious, the lemon curd filling truly elevates this Easter lemon cake recipe to the next level. This tangy, creamy filling adds a burst of flavor and a lovely texture. Making your own lemon curd is easier than you might think. It requires just a few simple ingredients – lemons, eggs, sugar, and butter – and a little patience. The result is a rich, vibrant curd that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Remember to cook the curd slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent it from curdling.

Homemade Lemon Curd in a Jar

Frosting & Decoration: Adding the Final Touches

For the frosting, I recommend a classic cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the lemon flavor beautifully. You can also use a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer. When it comes to decorating, let your creativity shine. Fresh berries, candied lemon slices, and edible flowers are all beautiful and delicious options. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also creates a lovely, elegant look. For a truly impressive presentation, consider making mini lemon cakes. You can find tips on how to make mini cakes for parties on our website. They’re perfect for individual servings and add a touch of whimsy to your Easter celebration. This Easter lemon cake recipe is a wonderful canvas for your artistic flair.

Easter Lemon Cake Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

For the Lemon Curd:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Easter Lemon Cake Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and lemon juice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cake cool completely in pan before frosting.

For the Lemon Curd:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, and eggs.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and let cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

To Assemble:

1. Once the cake is cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and spread the lemon curd over the frosting. You can also consider an Easter chocolate cake recipe or an Easter vanilla cake recipe for different flavor options. Even a simple Easter cake recipe can be elevated with a delicious frosting.

Conclusion

This Easter lemon cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant flavor, beautiful presentation, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the perfect dessert for your Easter celebration. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that’s as bright and cheerful as spring itself. This Easter lemon cake recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients for Easter Lemon Cake

FAQ

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is always preferred, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time? Yes, the lemon curd can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting? Buttercream frosting is a good alternative.
5. Can I add other citrus fruits to the cake? Yes, you can experiment with adding orange or lime zest to the cake.
6. How can I make this cake gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
7. What are some other Easter cake ideas? You can try an Easter chocolate cake recipe, Easter vanilla cake recipe, or even mini cakes which are easy to make, as highlighted in our guide on how to make mini cakes for parties.