The BEST Lemon Zest Cake!

You know last week when I showed you that lemon zest cake with the drift roses for that gorgeous table setting at my friend’s pavilion? Well, so many of you asked for that lemon cake recipe, that I knew I needed to share it with you.

My husband thinks it’s the BEST lemon zest cake ever! With photographing hundreds of weddings and always sampling the cake, he’s a pretty good reviewer of cake recipes.

He gives this one top ratings!

As I shared with you on that post, I just began that cake with a white cake mix. I have a friend who has made wedding cakes for years and he always begins with a cake mix and his special ingredient added. I’ll share that one some day soon!

For years I have used mixes as a basis on my way to other creations. I realize that mixes are not the healthiest for our bodies. Although I don’t use them often, they are a great foundation to a great cake…so, that’s how this one begins.

Adding the zest of one lemon to a white cake mix, with other ingredients on the box, gives this a perfect hint of lemon that as you indulge it gives subtle surprise to each bite. If you desire more lemon, feel free to add the juice of that lemon in. I just found my perfect balance by adding just the zest. Subtle, glorious lemon that gives a beautiful touch.

I baked this cake in smaller cake pans so that I could get three layers from the cake. It was the perfect size for a small gathering without lots leftover for the two of us who try not to overdo the sugar. Helpful for us, for sure!

Don’t forget to adjust that baking time according to the pan size and even the color of the pans. Darker pans absorb more heat and therefore require less baking time.

For this cake, I prepared the pans by spraying with coconut oil spray. A little healthier than other sprays or butter or shortening that is traditionally used in prepping. I also love the new non stick pans because they release so well.

TIP: With other non stick pans, I have cut parchment paper to fit the bottom to make release so much better. If you have older pans, or pans where the cake wants to stick to the bottom, I would highly recommend this!

After baking, I always let those cakes cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing them to cool completely on a cooling rack.

While the cake is cooling, I begin my buttercream frosting. Most buttercream frostings in my technical baking books require for the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt to be set over a saucepan and reach 160 degrees before slowly adding in the butter and whisking.

Can I tell you that I don’t usually have time for that?

There are lots of versions of buttercream frostings…from Swiss to Italian…but, I prefer this version.

Here’s the recipe that I have created to use that works well with that lemon zest cake. If you have leftovers, I tuck them into a container and store into the fridge. When you use again, just remember to set it out and get to room temperature before attempting to use it.

Whether you use if for a “naked” version with most taken off of the edges…pipe onto cupcakes or a layered cake, this is just my “go to” recipe.

Perhaps truly the key is to just whip the butter and sugar mixture until is really smooth. You definitely don’t want it to be “grainy”. I also prefer to add whipping cream, but if you have only whole milk, that works, too.

You know what I love BEST about this Lemon Zest Cake?

It’s versatility.

Let me count the ways.

• It makes the BEST wedding shower cake or baby shower cake to be made elegant or more rustic.
• The cupcakes from this recipe are DIVINE! Such a perfect lemon touch that makes the event special…whether mini, regular or large ones!
• I love making tiny layer cakes with this recipe. Perfect for a little one’s first birthday! or even individual servings where your guests feel SOOOO special with their own layered cake.
• This cake is the best foundation for decorations. I have loved using edible flowers like pansies and roses and mint to add to the beauty. Citrus, even candied lemons, are a perfect showstopper.
• This buttercream gives you the opportunity to keep piping in new and great ways! Open up those Wilton tips and guides and have a party with yourself! It just lends itself to creativity, don’t you think?!

We don’t have cake often, but when we do…this one will have to be one that I begin with.

Hope you enjoy it, too!

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