Description
This charming heart-shaped cake features a moist, lemon-infused sponge paired with a silky pink cream cheese frosting. It is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for expressing love and appreciation on any special occasion.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Large eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon extract
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon zest
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Pink food coloring
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 335°F (168°C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl; in a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and extracts until thickened.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture on low speed.
- Heat the milk and lemon zest until simmering, then melt in the butter and oil before slowly incorporating this mixture into the main batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 33-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt before tinting with pink coloring.
- Cool the cakes completely, stack with frosting, trim the sides to form a point, and attach the trimmings to the top to create a heart shape before applying the final layer of frosting.
- Apply a crumb coat, chill, then finish with the remaining pink frosting, piped borders, and cherries.
Notes
To ensure the most even crumb, avoid over-mixing the batter once the flour is added. If you prefer a more intense citrus flavor, you can brush the cooled cake layers with a simple lemon syrup before assembly.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American