Lemon White Velvet Cake

Introduction

Lemon White Velvet Cake is the perfect blend of elegance, softness, and bright citrus flavor—all wrapped into one luxurious dessert. Known for its ultra-fine crumb, moist texture, and signature velvety richness, this cake brings together the smoothness of classic white velvet cake with the bold, refreshing zing of lemon. Every bite melts in your mouth with a buttery, delicate crumb balanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting that highlights the citrus notes beautifully.

Unlike traditional lemon cakes that rely on a dense, butter-based structure, white velvet cakes use a combination of buttermilk and oil to create a smooth, silky texture. This cake stays tender for days, delivers consistent slices, and works beautifully for birthdays, holiday gatherings, baby showers, or simply when you want a bakery-quality homemade cake.

This recipe is crafted with clarity and detail, giving you a foolproof, step-by-step guide to creating an unforgettable Lemon White Velvet Cake worthy of any celebration.

Ingredients

For the Lemon White Velvet Cake

• 2 ½ cups cake flour (not all-purpose)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4–5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a drop of yellow gel coloring for a soft lemon hue

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Grease and line (2) or (3) 8-inch cake pans with parchment circles.
3. Lightly flour the sides for easy release.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

1. Beat softened butter until smooth.
2. Add vegetable oil and mix until combined.
3. Add granulated sugar and beat for 4–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Whites and Flavor

1. Add egg whites one at a time, beating gently.
2. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract.
3. Scrape the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add dry mixture to the wet mixture in 3 parts, alternating with buttermilk.
3. Mix just until smooth—overmixing reduces the velvety texture.

Step 5: Bake

1. Divide batter evenly into cake pans.
2. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
3. Bake for 25–32 minutes, depending on pan size.
4. Cakes are done when the centers spring back lightly and edges pull away from the pan.
5. Allow cakes to cool 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until soft and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually until thick and smooth.
3. Mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
4. Adjust sugar or lemon to taste.
5. Chill for 10 minutes if needed to firm.

Step 7: Assemble the Lemon White Velvet Cake

1. Level cake layers if needed for even stacking.
2. Place the first layer on a cake stand.
3. Spread a generous layer of lemon cream cheese frosting.
4. Add the second (and third, if used) layer.
5. Frost the entire cake with a smooth crumb coat.
6. Chill 15–20 minutes.
7. Apply the final coating of frosting and smooth with a spatula.
8. Garnish with lemon zest, lemon slices, or edible flowers.

Variation

• Blueberry Lemon Velvet Cake: Add fresh or freeze-dried blueberries to the batter.
• Strawberry Lemon Velvet Cake: Add diced strawberries for a strawberry lemonade flavor.
• Lemon Coconut Velvet Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and top with toasted coconut.
• White Chocolate Lemon Cake: Fold melted white chocolate into the frosting for a creamy citrus finish.
• Lemon Raspberry Velvet Cake: Spread raspberry jam between layers paired with lemon frosting.

COOKING Note :

Cake flour is essential for achieving the signature velvety crumb. All-purpose flour will create a heavier texture. Additionally, buttermilk adds acidity and moisture, helping the cake rise lower and smoother, which is a hallmark of velvet cakes. Room-temperature ingredients blend more evenly and maintain the soft, silky consistency.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve chilled for the cleanest, smoothest slices.
• Top with fresh berries or candied lemon slices.
• Add a drizzle of lemon syrup for an extra citrus kick.
• Pair with tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for a light dessert experience.

Tips :

• Do not overbeat once flour is added—this toughens the cake.
• Always use room-temperature egg whites to prevent curdling.
• A low-and-slow bake at 325°F prevents dome-heavy cakes.
• Use gel food coloring if you want a soft yellow hue; liquid coloring thins batter.
• Freeze layers for 20 minutes before frosting to make stacking easier.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 25–32 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour + cooling and assembly

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 470
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 310mg

FAQs

1. Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Not recommended—egg yolks change the color and texture, making it less “white velvet.”

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can be used in small amounts.

3. Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing or using all-purpose flour can create a dense, heavy cake.

4. Can the cake be made ahead?

Yes! Velvet cakes store beautifully. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze layers for up to 2 months.

5. How do I prevent frosting from becoming too soft?

Use full-fat cream cheese, chill frosting briefly, and avoid overwhipping.

Conclusion

Lemon White Velvet Cake is a bright, elegant, and irresistibly soft dessert that brings together the best of velvet cake texture with the freshness of lemon. Its silky crumb, rich cream cheese frosting, and perfectly balanced citrus flavor make it ideal for any celebration—from birthdays to bridal showers. If you’re looking for a cake that’s both refreshing and luxurious, this Lemon White Velvet Cake is guaranteed to impress with every slice.

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