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Ina Garten Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ina Garten Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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This classic lemon cake is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving it a natural citrus flavor. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a velvety texture, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. Whether served as a simple tea cake or dressed up for celebrations, this cake never disappoints.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

  • Set the temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease the pans: Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time: Beat well after each addition.
  • Mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk: Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter: In a mixing bowl, beat until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually: Mix until fully combined.
  • Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, and zest (if using).

Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake

  • Spread frosting between layers and on top of the cake.
  • Smooth the frosting with a spatula or create decorative swirls.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/ina-garten-lemon-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/