Super moist layers of lemony cake are frosted in an amazing homemade buttercream flavored with lemon curd & fresh lemon zest in this Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Curd Buttercream...
Who else seems to be stuck in spring limbo (aka, what I am deeming as sprinter) where you live?? It is almost mid-April, & we have had snow flurries off & on over the past few days. Tomorrow it will finally feel like spring here in West Virginia with some sunshine and temps in the 60's.
The weather man is predicting a high of 79 for both Saturday & Sunday (sprummer, anyone?), and then we are headed right back into the 40's with possible snow by the beginning of next week. I really wish Mother Nature would get it together already!
In the meantime, I am just going to go ahead and create a little sunshine of my own with this luscious and bright Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Curd Buttercream. ;) I actually made this cake for Easter dessert this year, and it was a huge hit with my family.
You just can't go wrong with these super moist layers of cake bursting with lemony goodness, all frosted in an amazing buttercream flavored with homemade lemon curd & fresh lemon zest...
I have never really been a from scratch kind of cake baker. But I am a pro at doctoring up a boxed cake mix to make it taste more like homemade. I always get compliments on how moist my "homemade" layer cakes are, and this Lemon Layer Cake is definitely no exception.
Now I am a more of a homemade buttercream kind of girl. Not dogging those of you who go for the canned frosting (No shame there, you all! You do you.), but I have never been a fan of the store bought buttercream. It just doesn't taste the same. Luckily, whipping up the lemon curd buttercream for this cake is easy, peasy.
I made my own homemade lemon curd for this (this microwave recipe from My Baking Addiction is my go-to), but feel free to use store bought lemon curd instead as a shortcut.
Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Curd Buttercream
by
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 1 (3.5 oz) box of instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 cup canola oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (store bought or homemade)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp half & half (if needed)
- Candied lemon slices (optional- I made my own using this recipe from Pip & Ebby)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or line with parchment paper and then spray). Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, canola oil, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, sour cream, & warm water. Mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then run a butter knife along the edges. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the lemon curd buttercream. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy & smooth. Add in the lemon curd & beat until well incorporated. Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Add in the lemon zest & vanilla extract.
If the buttercream is too thick to spread, beat in 2-3 tbsp of half & half one tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
To assemble & frost the cake
Place one cake layer on your cake plate. Spread about a third of the lemon curd buttercream over top of the bottom layer. Place the top layer over the frosted bottom layer. Use another third of the buttercream to frost the top of the cake. Use the remainder of the buttercream to frost the sides. Garnish with candied lemon slices, if desired.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Be sure to cover and refrigerated any leftover cake.
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What is the weather like where you are?
Has spring arrived and decided to stay where you live? (If so, then I am one jealous lady! ;) )
If you loved this lemon dessert recipe, then you might also like my...
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