Embark on a culinary adventure with this Vegan Lemon Cake, a masterpiece of zesty flavors and tender textures, paired with a luxurious lemon cream cheese frosting. This cake is a celebration of all things lemon, from the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the fragrant zest, ensuring every bite is bursting with fresh citrus notes. The addition of vegan Greek-style yogurt in the batter infuses the cake with a delightful moistness, while the vegan lemon curd frosting adds a creamy, tangy complement that elevates this dessert to new heights. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Why You’ll Love This:
This Vegan Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers. It’s crafted with care to ensure it’s as indulgent and satisfying as its non-vegan counterparts. The cake’s vibrant lemon flavor, paired with the creamy frosting, offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s a guilt-free indulgence, ideal for sharing with friends and family, regardless of their dietary preferences. Plus, the use of fresh, simple ingredients makes this cake a wholesome choice for celebrating life’s special moments.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a refreshing and light option that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s an excellent choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion where you want to impress with a homemade, thoughtful dessert. Additionally, this vegan delight is ideal for afternoon tea, adding a touch of elegance and zest to your table setting.
Decoration Tips:
To make this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves, edible flowers such as daisies, and thin lemon segments for a natural, vibrant look. For a more personalized touch, you can also add vegan white chocolate curls or sprinkle some grated lemon zest over the frosting. The key is to keep it simple and let the natural beauty and colors of the ingredients shine through.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 360g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 240ml (1 cup) soy milk
- 80ml (⅓ cup) fresh lemon juice
- 300g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons lemon zest
- 115g (½ cup) softened vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 180g (¾ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ batch room temperature vegan lemon curd
- 200g (1 ¾ cups) softened vegan butter
- 200g (7 oz) room temperature vegan cream cheese
- 60g (½ cup) powdered sugar
Instructions:
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F (fan-forced) or 180°C/356°F (conventional). Prepare two 8″ cake pans with parchment and grease.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix soy milk and lemon juice to create vegan buttermilk.
- Blend sugar with lemon zest until moist. Cream this with vegan butter, then incorporate vanilla and yogurt. Alternately add dry ingredients and vegan buttermilk to the wet mix until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans, bake for 30-35 minutes, then cool on a rack.
Frosting Creation:
- Beat vegan butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Whisk in lemon curd, then slowly add powdered sugar until smooth.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a turntable, spread with frosting, add lemon curd, and top with the second layer. Frost and smooth the sides and top.
- Garnish with mint, daisies, and lemon segments for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy this vibrant Vegan Lemon Cake, a dessert that promises a burst of citrus joy with every slice, making any occasion feel extra special.
