Lemon Sheet Cake

Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting served next to yellow cloth napkins.

Welcome to a citrus lover's dream! This easy, from-scratch Lemon Sheet Cake recipe is a fluffy and bright dessert that simply sings of citrusy heaven. Topped with a velvety smooth lemon cream cheese frosting that is part whipped cream and part cream cheese. This family favorite dessert has the perfect balance of sweet to tang and is wonderful for holidays, summer BBQ's or just because.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Lemon Sheet Cake, Lemon Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 303kcal

Author Heather

Ingredients

Greasing Pan

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Cake

5 tablespoons unsalted butter *room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest *about 3 medium sized lemons (total of 6-8 for recipe)
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3 large eggs
2 cups cake flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese *Leave to sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest *about 3 medium sized lemons (total of 6-8 for recipe)
2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Preparing the Pan

Preheat oven to 350℉.
Using a paper towel, evenly coat the interior surfaces of the pan with the butter.
Add the all purpose flour to the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan to distribute the flour evenly across the greased surface. Tap out any excess flour. See Note #1 below.

Cake

Beat the butter, sugar, oil, zest and extract over medium speed until mixture lightens in color, about 2-3 minutes.
Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. See Note #2 below.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.
Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with yogurt.
Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly in the pan.
Remove air bubbles by gently tapping the filled cake pan on the counter a few times.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake tester (or toothpick) inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool fully to room temperature before frosting.

Frosting

Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
To the cream cheese add powdered sugar, extract and zest. Continue beating on the lowest speed until incorporated.
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
Add heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture and beat on medium to medium high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5-6 minutes.
Frost the fully cooled cake. See Note #3 below for decorating options.
Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Note #1- The process of greasing and flouring the pan creates a protective barrier between the pan and the batter, preventing sticking and allowing for easy release of the cake slices.

Note #2- Pausing the mixer and using a spatula to scrape down the sides ensures that any unmixed ingredients clinging to the bowl are fully incorporated into the batter. This step is crucial for achieving a homogeneous mixture, preventing pockets of dry or unmixed ingredients in the final cake.

Note #3- Decorating a lemon sheet cake can be a delightful and visually appealing way to elevate its presentation. Here are a few ideas:

Lemon Slices and Zest Curls– Thinly slice fresh lemons and arrange them in a scattered pattern on top of the frosted cake. To add an elegant touch, create lemon zest curls by using this tool.
Fresh Berries and Mint– Scatter a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries over the lemon cake. For a touch of freshness, garnish with sprigs of mint leaves. The combination of the bright berries and aromatic mint creates a visually appealing and delicious contrast.
Lemon Curd Swirls– Take your lemon cream cheese frosting to the next level by adding lemon curd swirls. Dollop spoonfuls of lemon curd on top of the frosting, then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl it in decorative patterns. This adds bursts of tangy lemon flavor and an eye-catching design to your cake.
Edible Flowers– For an elegant and whimsical touch, adorn your lemon sheet cake with edible flowers. Choose varieties like pansies, violets, or marigolds that are safe for consumption. Gently press the flowers into the frosting or scatter them across the top. The delicate blooms add a stunning and natural aesthetic to your dessert.

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