Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 package (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon curd (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for piping)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Lemon zest or mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk + lemon juice mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Divide evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add lemon curd, zest, and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a generous layer of lemon cloud filling. Top with the second cake layer.
- Pipe whipped cream rosettes on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.
Notes
Consider adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for more intense flavor. Can swap lemon with other citrus or make gluten-free with a flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg