recipes

Old-Fashioned Lemon Cheese Layer Cake

A classic Southern-style lemon cake with a rich, tangy lemon cheese filling and a smooth lemon frosting—perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a bright, citrusy treat!

Ingredients:

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For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour 
1 tbsp baking powder 
½ tsp salt 
1 cup unsalted butter, softened 
2 cups granulated sugar 
4 large eggs 
1 cup buttermilk 
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 
Zest of 2 lemons 
1 tsp vanilla extract 
For the Lemon Cheese Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened 
1 ½ cups granulated sugar 
3 large eggs, beaten 
½ cup fresh lemon juice 
Zest of 1 lemon 
For the Lemon Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened 
4 cups powdered sugar 
¼ cup fresh lemon juice 
1 tsp vanilla extract 
2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed)


Instructions:

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1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. 

2️⃣ Prepare the cake batter:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. 
In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. 
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. 
3️⃣ Bake the cakes:

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 
4️⃣ Make the lemon cheese filling:

In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in sugar, beaten eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. 
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook. 
Remove from heat and let cool completely. It will thicken as it cools. 
5️⃣ Prepare the lemon frosting:

In a bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. 
Add heavy cream as needed until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. 
6️⃣ Assemble the cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of lemon cheese filling on top. 
Repeat with the second layer. Top with the final cake layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon frosting.
7️⃣ Garnish & serve:

Decorate with lemon zest, lemon slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar. 
Slice and enjoy! 
Nutrition & Time:
 Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 25 min |  Total Time: 50 min + cooling
 Calories: ~450 kcal per slice |  Servings: 12

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