Best Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe

This Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe combines the timeless sweetness of vanilla with the refreshing tang of lemon for a delightful treat.

I made this Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe on a whim, craving the balance between sweet and citrusy flavors, and it turned out to be one of the most delightful desserts I’ve ever baked.

The cake itself is light, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the addition of sour cream gives it a moist, tender crumb.

The lemon icing, creamy with a zing from fresh lemon juice and zest, is the perfect finishing touch. As I spread the frosting over the layers, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

It’s the kind of cake that feels both comforting and refreshing—ideal for any occasion. I’m excited to share this simple yet delicious recipe with you, and trust me, it’s going to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 305 kcal

Yield: 8 servings (1 standard round cake)

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Kitchen Utensils

Before you start baking, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cake pan (8-inch round pan recommended)
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag (optional, for more precise icing)

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Lemon Icing:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp THM Vanilla extract
• Pinch of mineral salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon zest

How To Make Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.

4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6.  In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, THM vanilla extract, and a pinch of mineral salt.

7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and continue to beat until the icing is smooth and creamy.

8.  Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of lemon icing.

9. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining icing. Decorate with extra lemon zest if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Why You Will Choose Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing?

You’ll choose Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of light, airy sweetness and refreshing citrusy zing.

The vanilla cake is soft and moist, while the tangy lemon icing adds a burst of brightness that elevates the flavor.

It’s a versatile dessert that works for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a special celebration.

The combination of familiar, comforting vanilla with the vibrant freshness of lemon makes every bite feel both indulgent and refreshing.

Best Serving Ideas

The best serving ideas for Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe are simple yet elevate the flavors beautifully. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Fresh Berries: Serve a slice of the cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the lemon icing perfectly.

2. Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top or alongside each slice. This adds richness and balances the tangy lemon flavor.

3. Lemon Zest Garnish: For an extra burst of citrus, sprinkle a little lemon zest over the top of the icing before serving. It enhances the lemony aroma and makes the cake look even more inviting.

4. Tea or Coffee Pairing: Serve the cake with a hot cup of tea (like Earl Grey or chamomile) or a coffee drink. The smooth, comforting flavors of the cake go wonderfully with these beverages.

5. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet on the side is a fantastic way to cool off and add extra indulgence to your dessert.

Quick Tips And Tricks

1. Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.

2. Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together ensures even distribution and helps avoid clumps, giving your cake a lighter texture.

3. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can result in a dense cake.

4. Fresh lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor—don’t use bottled lemon juice for the icing!

5. Before frosting, let the cake cool completely to prevent the icing from melting or sliding off. Patience is key!

Storage & Make Ahead

Storage

To store leftover Vanilla Cake With Lemon Icing Recipe, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

If you freeze the cake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead

You can easily make this cake in advance. Bake the cake layers up to two days ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Prepare the lemon icing a day before and store it in the fridge.

When ready to serve, simply ice and decorate the cake. Assembled cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to add fresh fruit or whipped cream just before serving.

Closing

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious vanilla cake with lemon icing recipe. It’s always a pleasure to bake something that brings both joy and flavor to the table.

From the first mix to the final bite, it was a delightful experience that reminded me how much joy can come from creating something with your own hands.

The cake turned out just as I imagined—fluffy and soft, with the perfect zing of lemon. Every step, from the mixing bowl to frosting the cake, felt like a small accomplishment, and tasting the result made it all worth it.

There’s something magical about baking, and as I finished my last bite, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that something so simple could bring so much happiness.

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