Perfect Lemon Curd Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe That Dazzles

Lemon curd cake converts ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Soft, velvety layers mingle with bright, sunshine-kissed flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Each delicate slice promises a perfect harmony between tangy and sweet sensations.

Creamy frosting whispers decadence while citrus notes provide a vibrant awakening to traditional cake expectations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert bridges home baking and gourmet indulgence with graceful simplicity.

Delightful textures and complex flavor profiles elevate this cake beyond mere sugar and flour.

You’ll find yourself captivated by its irresistible charm.

Luscious Lemon Curd Cake for Any Occasion

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: Lemon curd transforms this cake into a tangy, bright dessert that dances on your taste buds with each incredible bite.
• Moisture Magic Technique: Poking holes and filling them with lemon curd creates a super-moist cake that guarantees maximum flavor penetration and incredible texture.
• Stunning Presentation Hack: Decorative dollops of lemon curd on top make this cake look professionally crafted, turning a simple dessert into an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for gatherings, brunches, or afternoon tea parties.
• Indulgent Comfort Treat: With its rich nutritional profile and generous serving size, this cake offers a satisfying dessert experience that balances sweet and tart notes while providing a delightful indulgence.

Ingredients to Make a Refreshing Lemon Curd Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture for the cakes foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cake.
• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Contribute moisture and tender crumb.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic background flavor.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor to the cake.
• Lemon Curd: Rich, creamy topping with intense lemon taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create light, fluffy frosting texture.

How to Make the Perfect Lemon Curd Cake

Step 1: Cool Down the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan until it reaches room temperature completely, ensuring a stable structure for further handling.

Step 2: Transfer to Serving Plate

Gently slide the cake from its pan onto a decorative serving plate or cooling rack with smooth, careful movements.

Step 3: Create Flavor Pathways

Use a fork or skewer to create evenly distributed holes across the cake surface, making shallow punctures that will help absorb lemon curd without compromising the cake’s integrity.

Step 4: Infuse with Lemon Curd

Carefully spoon lemon curd into each created hole, allowing the tangy mixture to penetrate and enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Apply Smooth Frosting

Once the cake has cooled entirely, spread a generous layer of frosting over the entire surface using a spatula, creating a smooth and even coating.

Step 6: Decorate with Lemon Curd

Add artistic dollops of lemon curd on top of the frosted cake, creating an elegant and appetizing visual presentation.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut the cake into beautiful slices and serve, presenting a delightful dessert that promises a burst of citrusy sweetness with every bite.

Tips for Baking the Best Lemon Curd Cake

• Chill Ingredients First: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother cake batter and more even mixing.
• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for lemon curd ingredients to guarantee the perfect tangy, creamy consistency.
• Poke Strategically: Create shallow, evenly spaced holes to help lemon curd distribute evenly throughout the cake without compromising its structure.
• Control Moisture: Let cake cool completely before adding lemon curd to prevent soggy texture and maintain cake's structural integrity.
• Decorate Artfully: Use a piping bag or spoon to create elegant lemon curd dollops, adding visual appeal and extra bursts of citrus flavor.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Curd Cake

• Refrigeration: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place in a cake carrier to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its moisture and prevent lemon curd from spoiling.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the cake's texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Pairing Lemon Curd Cake with Tasty Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the zesty lemon curd's bright acidity and cut through the cake's richness.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a refreshing chamomile or mint tea that enhances the cake's citrusy notes and provides a soothing counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
• Serve with Lavender Sorbet: Create a delightful flavor harmony by adding a scoop of lavender sorbet alongside the cake, which amplifies the lemon's floral undertones and offers a cool, palate-cleansing experience.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with raspberries or blueberries to add a burst of color and provide a tart contrast that elevates the lemon curd cake's creamy texture.

Fun Variations of Lemon Curd Cake

• Lavender Lemon Infusion: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the cake batter for a fragrant and sophisticated floral undertone that complements the zesty lemon curd perfectly.
• Raspberry Ripple Remix: Swirl fresh raspberry puree through the lemon curd before filling the cake, creating a vibrant berry-citrus combination that adds depth and color to the dessert.
• Coconut Tropical Touch: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the frosted cake and mix shredded coconut into the lemon curd for a tropical-inspired version with added texture and nutty flavor.
• Almond Crunch Upgrade: Fold ground almonds into the cake batter and garnish with sliced toasted almonds for a nutty crunch that enhances the cake's richness and provides a delightful contrast to the smooth lemon curd.

Lemon Curd Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky lemon curd transforms a classic cake into a zesty Mediterranean delight. Layers of tangy brightness and delicate crumb invite you to savor each refreshing slice of this citrusy masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3.5 to 4 cups (420 to 480 grams) powdered sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Ensure the freshly baked cake reaches room temperature completely inside the baking pan, allowing it to settle and stabilize.
2. Gently transfer the cooled cake onto a decorative serving platter or wire cooling rack with careful, smooth movements.
3. Using a clean fork or slender kitchen skewer, create uniform perforations across the cake’s surface, maintaining a consistent depth of approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) to accommodate lemon curd absorption.
4. Methodically fill each carefully crafted perforation with vibrant lemon curd, allowing the bright citrus mixture to penetrate the cake’s interior and enhance its overall flavor profile.
5. After the cake has reached ambient temperature, apply a luxurious layer of frosting across the entire surface using an offset spatula, ensuring smooth and even coverage.
6. Artfully distribute additional dollops of lemon curd atop the frosted cake, creating an elegant and appetizing visual presentation.
7. Cut the cake into precise wedges, revealing the intricate layers and serving this delectable dessert to eager guests.

Notes

• Cool the cake completely in its pan to prevent structural damage and maintain moisture.
• Gently remove the cake from the pan, transferring it to a clean serving plate or cooling rack.
• Create evenly spaced, shallow holes across the cake’s surface using a fork or skewer.
• Fill each hole with lemon curd, allowing the tangy filling to penetrate and enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
• Spread a generous layer of frosting over the entire cake using a smooth, even motion.
• Decorate the frosted cake with artful dollops of lemon curd for a visually appealing finish.
• Cut into slices and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and zesty flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg