Description
This Cream Cake features tender, moist layers infused with a zesty lemon syrup and a luscious lemon mascarpone cream filling. Topped with a delicate crumb topping, this cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 3/4 cups (330 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
Lemon Syrup
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice
Lemon Mascarpone Cream Filling
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (225 g) mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparing the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and seasoning evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Oil and Eggs: Mix in the vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then remove and transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Soak Cake Layers: Drizzle the lemon syrup evenly over both warm cake layers and let them absorb it fully to enhance moistness and flavor.
- Make Lemon Mascarpone Cream Filling: Whip the cold heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, blend room-temperature mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Fold Cream into Cheese: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread all-purpose flour on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to toast. Let cool slightly.
- Mix Crumb Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk toasted flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold diced butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Level the tops of the cooled cakes if needed using a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of lemon mascarpone cream filling over it.
- Stack and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Add Crumb Topping: Gently press the crumb topping onto the top and sides of the cake, ensuring good coverage.
- Refrigerate: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to set the filling and topping for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- The lemon syrup adds moisture and a bright flavor, so do not skip this step.
- Chilling the mascarpone cream filling helps it to hold structure while assembling the cake.
- The crumb topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant lemon flavor.
- This cake should be stored refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American