Ultimate Rich Lemon Vanilla Cake

Ultimate Rich Lemon Vanilla Cake

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

 • 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour or cake flour

 • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar

 • 2 teaspoons baking powder

 • ½ teaspoon baking soda

 • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

 • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

 • 4 large eggs, room temperature

 • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

 • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice

 • 2 tablespoons (about 2 lemons) lemon zest

 • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream

 • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

 • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Cheesecake Frosting

Creamy, tangy, rich — like cheesecake on a cake!

 • 1 cup (226 g) cream cheese, softened

 • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

 • 3½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar

 • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

 • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 • Pinch of salt

Instructions 

 • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.

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

 • In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until very light, pale, and fluffy.

 • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

 • Stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

 • Mix the sour cream, oil, and buttermilk together until smooth.

 • Add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture alternately into the butter mixture, folding gently to create a thick, silky batter.

 • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

 • Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 28–35 minutes depending on pan size.

 • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cheesecake Frosting

 • Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.

 • Add the powdered sugar gradually until fluffy.

 • Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until silky and spreadable.

Assemble

 • Spread a thick layer of cheesecake frosting over the cooled cake.

 • Add lemon zest curls, white chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top if desired.

Flavor Boost Tips

 • Add ½ teaspoon lemon extract for extra bold lemon flavor.

 • Use cake flour for a softer, velvety crumb.

 • Add a thin layer of lemon curd under the frosting for extra richness.

 • For a bakery-style look, frost and chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing