Description
This Lemon-Infused Cream Cake is soft, fragrant, and irresistibly light. Infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a velvety mascarpone frosting, it’s a refreshing twist on classic cake. Whether served at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert, each slice is bright, creamy, and beautifully tender. It’s the kind of cake that brings sunshine to your plate!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
For the Mascarpone Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup (240 g) mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) chilled heavy cream
Instructions
- In a saucepan, warm the 2 cups of milk with lemon zest (do not boil). Let it infuse and cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt until pale and fluffy.
- Add the cooled lemon-infused milk, the extra ½ cup milk, and vegetable oil. Stir to combine.
- Gradually fold in the flour until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake or serve it on the side.
Notes
- Infusing the milk with lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor without making the cake too tart.
- For extra zing, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
- You can serve this cake unfrosted with a dusting of powdered sugar or a lemon glaze.
- The frosting can be made in advance and kept chilled for up to 2 days.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired