If you’re looking for a bake that’s bursting with zesty freshness and silky indulgence, this Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the one to try. It’s a perfectly balanced, moist lemon cake enriched with the bright pop of lemon zest and juice, and topped with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting that will have you dreaming of sunny afternoons. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it delivers layers of citrusy joy that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors and tender crumb of this lemony delight. Together, they create a cake that’s fresh, fluffy, and filled with that unmistakable zing of real lemons.
- 360 g all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s soft and airy texture.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Provides extra lift and ensures a tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 240 ml soy milk: Adds moisture and richness while keeping the cake vegan.
- 80 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed): The star citrus flavor that brightens every bite.
- 300 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough to complement the tart lemon.
- 4 tablespoons lemon zest: Infuses intense lemon aroma and flavor.
- 115 g vegan butter (softened): Adds creaminess and a subtle richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the citrus notes.
- 180 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (or vegan sour cream): Keeps the cake moist with a slight tang.
- ½ batch vegan lemon curd (room temperature): Adds concentrated lemon flavor and a silky texture inside the cake.
- 200 g vegan butter (softened): For the frosting, creating a smooth and luscious base.
- 200 g vegan cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the frosting its classic tang and creamy consistency.
- 60 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it fluffy and light.
How to Make Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans or lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your lemon cake releases effortlessly once baked and maintains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This step evenly disperses all leavening agents, guaranteeing an even rise and consistent texture throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and vegan Greek-style yogurt, mixing until smooth and creamy. The batter will already smell like sunshine!
Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Together
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with soy milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep the batter light and avoid overworking the flour, which can make cakes tough.
Step 5: Add Lemon Curd
Fold in the room temperature vegan lemon curd gently. This little addition introduces pockets of bright lemon flavor throughout the cake, making each bite a little surprise.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened vegan butter and vegan cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect combination of creamy and tangy, complementing the cake’s citrus notes beautifully.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an elegant finish, smooth the frosting or create soft peaks with a spatula.
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even some edible flowers make stunning garnishes. They add a touch of natural beauty and a boost of citrus aroma that elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
A light, refreshing fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint pairs wonderfully with this cake. These sides keep the palate fresh and let the lemon flavors shine without overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each slice with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of extra lemon curd for an added burst of zest. For a party, create individual mini cakes or cupcakes using this recipe and top them with piped frosting for a charming look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This vegan lemon cake stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting helps keep it moist and delicious, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing that fresh lemony vibrance.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving for best results.
Reheating
Although it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer it a bit warm, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. That slight warmth enhances the softness without melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use a different plant-based milk in the Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! While soy milk works best for moisture and texture, almond, oat, or coconut milk are wonderful alternatives and will work just fine.
Is it necessary to use vegan lemon curd in the recipe?
The lemon curd adds wonderful tang and moisture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with extra lemon zest and juice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delightful.
How long does the Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 60 minutes including mixing and assembling, with an additional 35 minutes to bake. It’s a bit of a project, but the results are more than worth the time.
Can I decorate this cake differently?
Definitely! Fresh berries, zest spirals, or a dusting of powdered sugar all make lovely decorations that complement the lemon filling and frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those treats that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and wrapped in creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite for gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this bright, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying cake in your life.
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Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tangy, and fragrant dessert perfect for any occasion. Crafted with plant-based ingredients, it combines the bright zest of lemons and a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting to create a delightful treat that is entirely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Cake
- 360 g all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 240 ml soy milk
- 80 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons lemon zest
- 115 g vegan butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 180 g vegan Greek-style yogurt or vegan sour cream
- ½ batch vegan lemon curd, room temperature
Frosting
- 200 g vegan butter, softened
- 200 g vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- 60 g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents for a light texture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the soy milk, lemon juice, granulated sugar, lemon zest, softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and half batch of vegan lemon curd until smooth and well integrated.
- Incorporate wet into dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool totally, which is essential for frosting application.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened vegan butter and vegan cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is creamy and light.
- Assemble the cake: If desired, level the cake layers for even stacking. Spread a layer of frosting between layers and then frost the entire cake evenly with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving. Enjoy this refreshing and zesty vegan lemon cake!
Notes
- Soy milk adds moisture and binds ingredients without the need for eggs, perfect for vegan baking.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor and aroma.
- Softened vegan butter helps emulsify the batter and add richness while keeping it vegan-friendly.
- Vegan lemon curd can be homemade or store-bought; it enhances the lemon flavor inside the cake layers.
- Ensure the vegan cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
