On The Menu: Lemon Cream Crumb Cake

The result of this recipe was kind of a total surprise. This cake turned out nothing like I had originally expected but I could not be happier with the end result. I began baking this cake in an attempt to replicate one of Jessica's favorite cakes. While I failed at replicating the cake that has been one of Jessica's favorites for years I think this one may even be better. I think Jessica may have thought so too because in the couple days after I baked this cake she had 4 slices.

This easy lemon cake recipe is so good I am making it again this weekend to serve to out of town guests. This cake and frosting are light and fluffy with a slightly tangy, fresh lemon flavor that is far from over powering. The crumbs give it some nice texture and while adding another little kick of lemon flavor.

Jessica and I area always baking a lot of sweets and usually give away at least half of everything we make. That did not happen with this cake. Aside from sharing with our baby brother and our sister Tiffany we ate this entire cake ourselves. That is how good it was.

Ingredients For Cake:
18.25 oz box of white cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Ingredients for Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream

Ingredients for Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, slightly softened
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray with nonstick spray 2 eight inch round cake plans and set aside.
2. Prepare cake by mixing together all of the cake ingredients.
3. Divide the cake evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake according to the time on the cake mix box.
4. Allow cake to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then carefully remove from pans onto wire racks to allow to finish cooling.
5. Prepare the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter and lemon extract until mixture is crumbly. Place in the refrigerator to chill, then break into smaller crumbs if needed.
6. Once cakes have completely cooled, chill a metal mixing bowl, plus the whisk attachments for your mixer in the freezer for 5 minute. Then whip heavy cream in the bowl until stiff whipped cream forms.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Once smooth gently fold in the whipped cream until combined.
8. Assemble and frost the cake.
9. Gently press crumbs onto the top and sides of the cake.

** Cake should be stored in the refrigerator.

On The Menu: Luscious Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Typically when making a dessert chocolate in some form is my go to (like this Chocolate Fudge Cake) but sometimes it is fun to mix it up a little. One of my favorite flavors that is definitely way under used by me is lemon. After making Lemon Brownies a few months ago I promised myself that I would incorporate the fresh tangy taste of lemon into more desserts and this Luscious Lemon Velvet Cake with its decadent Lemon Buttercream Frosting is the answer.

This cake is so moist and has thick layers of creamy, tangy frosting. This cake did not last long in my house. You need to make this cake for yourself or for the lemon lover in your life.

Ingredients For The Cake:
1¼ cups sifted all purpose flour
1½ cups sifted cake flour
½ tsp. baking soda
1½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1½ cups sugar
⅔ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup vegetable shortening at room temperature
1 tsp. good quality vanilla extract
1 tbsp. pure lemon extract
3 large eggs
1½ cups buttermilk
zest one large lemon

Ingredients For The Frosting:
8 cups confectioner's sugar
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp. pure lemon extract
2 tsp. lemon zest
4 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
yellow gel food coloring

Directions:
1. Grease and flour 2 nine inch round cake pans and line parchment paper. 2. Sift together both flours, baking soda. baking powder, salt and sugar. Set aside. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat together the vegetable oil, shortening, vanilla and lemon extract. Beat well at high speed with whisk attachment until light and fluffy. 4. Beat the eggs in one at a time. 5. Fold in the lemon zest. 6. Fold in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk. Do not over mix the batter. 7. Pour into the two prepared 9 inch cake pans. 8. Bake at 325 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely. 9. Make the frosting by beating together the icing sugar, lemon zest and butter with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth. 10. Add the lemon extract. Then a tablespoon at a time add the heavy whipping cream until you get your desired consistency. 11. Add yellow food coloring a little at a time until you have a pale yellow frosting. 12. Frost the cake.

P.S. Love lemon? Also try these easy and delicious Lemon Brownies.