Italian Lemon Cream Cake
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Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
For Decoration:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Optional: lemon slices or zest
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until thickened and fluffy. Be careful not to overbeat.
4. Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter, and lemon juice until smooth. Add a little milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the lemon cream filling evenly over the top.
Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon frosting.
Dust generously with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and set.
