This lemon curd cake is a very soft lemon cake topped with cream cheese frosting. It is topped with lemon curd. If you love lemon flavor then this is the best cake you will ever have!

Side view of lemon curd cake.

This soft lemon cake is packed with lemon flavor! This recipe includes homemade lemon curd. It is perfect for when you want a bright flavor to celebrate. The cream cheese frosting complements it with a tangy and sweet flavor you will love. If you love lemon you will love this cake.

One slice of lemon curd cake on a plate.

Here is why lemon curd cake is so good

This cake is soft, creamy, and has a strong lemon flavor.

  1. Lemon flavor: The cake is made with fresh lemon zest and lemon juice for a great flavor. The curd on top has an even more concentrated lemon flavor to really pack it in!
  2. Soft texture: This cake is so soft and moist it is hard to stop eating it.
  3. Cream cheese frosting: The creamy and tangy cream cheese flavor is always a good pairing with lemon!

This cake was made for lemon flavor fans. It is always finished off so fast!

Slice of lemon curd cake on a plate.

Tips for making lemon cake

Here are my tips, so yours turns out like this recipe!

  • Tip 1: Make sure to scoop the flour into the measuring cup gently. If you press your measuring cup into the flour you can compress it and get compacted flour. This can lead to a dry cake.
  • Tip 2: Make sure your dairy ingredients are room temperature before baking. This will allow them to mix in easier, which helps make sure the cake is moist.
  • Tip 3: When making the lemon curd make sure you are constantly stirring so it does not scramble. Check out this lemon curd recipe for more details on how to make it. Make sure the lemon curd is cooled completely before you use it.
  • Tip 4: When making the cream cheese frosting beat the butter on high speed for 2 minutes before you add the cream cheese. I have found when adding both at the same time it can cause it to split.
Wet ingredients in a glass bowl.
Lemon cake batter in a glass bowl.
Cake batter in a pan.
Baked cake on a wire rack.
Taking a spoon of lemon curd out of the jar.
Cream cheese frosting in a glass bowl.

How to decorate the lemon curd cake

Start by placing the cake layer on a clean workspace. Use a serrated knife to trim the top of the cake so it is flat and even.

Spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. I use an offset spatula to get an even layer spread.

Save this Recipe!

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

Use a spoon to dollop the lemon curd on top of the frosting in small dollops. Then, use the back of a spoon to swirl the curd into the frosting.

If you are serving immediately, I recommend putting the cake in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting. This will help set the frosting so it won’t be as messy.

Lemon curd on top of the cake.

Lemon Curd Cake FAQ’s

Can the cake layer be made a head of time?

Yes, you can make the cake layer in advance. Once the cake is done cooling, wrap it in plastic wrap tightly. It can be frozen for up to 30 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. I recommend pulling the cake out of the fridge for 1 hour before decorating.

Can I use another size cake pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8 square pan. You can also use a 9 inch or 9×9 pan, but the cake will be thinner. You can also double the recipe for a 9×13 cake pan.

Can this be made into cupcakes?

Yes. This recipe will make about 12 cupcakes. I recommend filling the cupcakes with the lemon curd and drizzling some on top for decoration.

How do I store the lemon curd cake?

This cake can be stored in an airtight container like a cake carrier for up to 5 days.

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 30 days. thaw the cake for 1-2 hours before serving.

Top view of cake.

For more lemon recipes, check out my

Make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW if you loved this recipe! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.

One slice of lemon curd cake on its side.
Side view of lemon curd cake.
5 from 3 reviews

Lemon Curd Cake

Stephanie Rutherford
This lemon curd cake is a very soft lemon cake topped with cream cheese frosting. It is topped with lemon curd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients
 
 

Lemon Cake

  • 1 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 TBSP Oil, canola or vegetable
  • 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream, room temperature or greek yogurt
  • 2 TBSP Lemon zest, 2 large lemons
  • 2 TBSP Lemon juice
  • 2 Large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk, room temperature

Lemon Curd

  • 1/2 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2-3 large lemons
  • 1 TBSP Lemon zest, 1 large lemon
  • 4 Egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Lemon Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 8-inch cake pan with baking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with a parchment circle and spray again. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    1 3/4 cup All-purpose flour, 1 tsp Baking powder, 1/2 tsp Baking soda, 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Using a mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. It will become fluffy and pale in color.
    1/3 cup Unsalted butter, 2 TBSP Oil, 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
  • Add in sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until combined. Make sure to scrape the bowl using a baking rubber spatula.
    1/4 cup Sour cream, 2 TBSP Lemon zest, 2 TBSP Lemon juice, 2 Large eggs
  • Add in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix on low speed until just combined. Take off the mixer and scrape the bowl.
    1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • Spread the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let the cake sit in the hot pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely before decorating.

Lemon Curd

  • Start the curd while the cake is baking. In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, sugar, and pinch of salt.
    1/2 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 TBSP Lemon zest, 4 Egg yolks, 3/4 cup White granulated sugar, Pinch of salt
  • Whisk constantly for 20-25 minutes until thickened and it start to have some foam on top.
  • Take off the heat, add in the cold and cubed butter, Whisk until melted. Pour curd into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge to cool.
    1/2 cup Unsalted butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
    2 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
  • Using a mixer, beat the butter for 2 minutes on high speed. Add in the cream cheese and mix on high for 1 minute.
    1 cup Unsalted butter, 8 oz Cream cheese
  • Add in half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until just combined. Add in the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  • Add in the vanilla and mix on high speed until creamy.
    1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • Spread the frosting on top of the cake. Place small dollops of lemon curd on top of the cake. Use a spoon to swirl it together.

Notes

Flour- Make sure flour is spooned and leveled or use a kitchen scale. Compacted flour can dry out the cake.
High altitude baking- Add an extra 2 TBSP of flour.
Pull out dairy ingredients 2 hours before baking.
Calories: 402kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 192mg, Potassium: 66mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 941IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!