Delicious Lemon Curd Cake: 3 Layers of Sunshine

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Lemon Curd Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This bright and tender three-layer cake is filled with silky homemade lemon curd and elegantly topped with fluffy lemon buttercream. Inspired by Liam’s “sunshine cake” moment, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. With its tangy filling and luscious frosting, it’s a dessert that will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Cake

This Lemon Curd Cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

**Three layers** of moist lemon cake make for a gorgeous presentation.
Filled with **homemade lemon curd**, it offers a refreshing tangy flavor.
Topped with **fluffy lemon buttercream**, it’s a sweet delight.
Perfect for **special occasions** or casual gatherings.
Easy to make with an **easy lemon curd cake recipe** that anyone can follow.
Customizable with various **lemon cake with citrus curd** options to suit your taste.

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a **tangy lemon dessert** that is both light and satisfying. It fits perfectly within the **American cuisine** and is suitable for a **vegetarian diet**.

Ingredients for Lemon Curd Cake

Gather these items:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter (room temperature)
4 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
¼ cup lemon juice (fresh)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup lemon juice (fresh)
1 tbsp lemon zest
¾ cup granulated sugar
4 egg yolks
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp cornstarch
1½ cups butter (softened)
6 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream (or more as needed)
1 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Lemon Curd Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk yolks, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch; cook until thickened, add butter, strain, and chill.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, vanilla, and zest; mix dry ingredients with buttermilk; fold in lemon juice; divide batter.
Step 3: Bake at 350°F for 25–28 minutes; cool in pans 10 minutes, then fully on racks.
Step 4: Beat butter, add powdered sugar gradually, then cream, lemon extract, and vanilla until fluffy.
Step 5: Stack layers with lemon curd, add crumb coat, chill, and finish frosting.

Delicious Lemon Curd Cake: 3 Layers of Sunshine - Lemon Curd Cake - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Lemon Curd Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use **fresh lemon juice** and zest for the best flavor.
Ensure all ingredients are at **room temperature** for a better batter consistency.
When stacking, use a lemon curd frosting for cake to enhance the flavors.
Chill the cake before frosting to make handling easier.
Consider adding a **lemon drizzle cake with curd** for extra sweetness.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Curd Cake

Enjoy this cake in various ways:

Serve slices with a dollop of **whipped cream**.
Pair it with fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Top with a lemon curd frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Curd Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds. Meal prep with this cake is easy, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or casual desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Curd Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Curd Cake?

The secret lies in using the freshest ingredients and allowing the lemon curd to chill properly before layering. A moist lemon cake with curd creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Can I make Lemon Curd Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the layers and curd in advance. Just frost and assemble the cake on the day of serving for optimal freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Curd Cake?

Ensure you measure ingredients accurately and do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. For an airy texture, be gentle while folding in the lemon juice.

Variations of Lemon Curd Cake You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add **blueberries** or **raspberries** to the batter for a fruity twist.
Try a **coconut lemon cream cake** by incorporating shredded coconut into the batter.
For a richer flavor, use **cream cheese frosting** instead of buttercream.
Consider making a **lemon tart cake** for a different take on this classic dessert.