Description

This Elegant Italian Lemon Cream Cake is the perfect blend of light, zesty lemon flavor and creamy decadence. With its tender layers of cake, luscious whipped cream, and refreshing lemon zest, this dessert is ideal for any celebration or special occasion. Garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s bake this stunning dessert!

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• For Garnish:
• Lemon slices
• Mint leaves

Preparation Method

Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until just combined, ensuring the batter retains its lightness.

Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip to avoid a grainy texture.

Assemble the Cake:
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a third of the whipped cream evenly across the top. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, spreading the whipped cream on the top and sides of the assembled cake.

Garnish and Chill:
Decorate the cake with lemon slices and mint leaves for a fresh and elegant touch. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.

Tips and Conclusion

Lemon Flavor: For an extra burst of lemon, brush the cake layers with a simple syrup made of lemon juice and sugar before frosting.

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Customization: Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for added tartness.

This Elegant Italian Lemon Cream Cake is the perfect dessert to impress your guests. Its light, citrusy flavor combined with the creamy frosting makes it a showstopper. Whether for a dinner party, a family gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to delight. Enjoy every bite of this zesty masterpiece!