Italian Lemon Cream Cake

Lemon desserts have always held a special place in my heart, and this Italian Lemon Cream Cake is one of my all-time favorites. The perfect balance of tart and sweet, it features soft, buttery cake layers filled with a luscious lemon cream and topped with a light, fluffy frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just indulging in a citrusy treat, this cake is bound to impress. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a refreshing burst of lemon that lingers pleasantly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a vibrant citrus flavor.
• Rich yet Light: The combination of cream cheese filling and whipped cream frosting creates a balanced texture.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or a weekend dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and softness.
• 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor balance.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps with tenderness.
• 4 large eggs – Ensures stability and a light texture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Packs in bold lemon flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice – Gives a natural citrus tang.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall sweetness.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, smooth filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a creamy texture.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens while keeping it soft.
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brings an extra citrusy zing.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Enhances the lemon flavor.

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream – Whips into a light, airy topping.
• ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting subtly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the lemon flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
9. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

Making the Lemon Cream Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until creamy and well combined.

Making the Frosting:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the lemon cream filling evenly over it.
2. Add the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling.
3. Frost the entire cake with the whipped cream frosting.
4. Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Chill the cake for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Add a drizzle of lemon syrup between layers for extra moisture.

Helpful Notes

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same brightness.
• Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake may become dense instead of fluffy.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of zest to the batter.
• For a bakery-style finish, use a piping bag to decorate with frosting swirls.
• If the whipped cream frosting is too soft, chill it before spreading on the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving for the best results.

2. Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
While you can, the homemade whipped cream frosting is much lighter and complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

4. How do I make this cake more moist?
Adding a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and lemon juice brushed onto the cake layers before assembly can help keep it extra moist.

5. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or even a lemon glaze would work beautifully if you prefer something different.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Lemon Cream Cake is a celebration of fresh, zesty flavors and a perfect blend of creaminess and fluffiness. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying it for the first time, this cake is easy to follow and always delivers stunning results. Serve it at gatherings, enjoy it with a cup of tea, or simply indulge in a slice of pure citrus bliss. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!