It was my BFF’s birthday recently and a celebratory picnic was in order. Families and kids were rounded up, cheese was purchased, Pimms organised, rugs placed in cars. And a cake was baked.
This lemonade cake is from the new cookbook Naked Cakes by Lyndel Miller. I am quite the critic when it comes to cookbooks – they need to have recipes that are actually doable, they need to have clear instructions, and each recipe needs to be accompanied a large photo to show what the finished product should look like.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
This lemonade cake is zesty, moist and feeds a crowd. My only tweaks were to reduce the sugar and remove the salt.
My BFF loved it, as did the rest of us. And as we reclined in the soft sunshine and drank Pimms while the kids played cricket in the park the world was a wonderful place.
GATHER:
175 grams plain flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon bicarb soda
115grams butter, at room temperature, diced
170grams caster sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
zest of one lemon
125 grams Greek yogurt
60 mL strained fresh lemon juice
LET’S GET TO IT:
Preheat oven to 170C and grease and line a round 20cm cake tin.
In a large bowl combine flour baking powder and bicarb soda and use a fork to whisk together.
In bowl of electric mixer beat sugar and butter together until light and creamy. Scrape down sides, add eggs, one at a time and beat until well combined.
Add lemon zest and vanilla and beat until just combined, then stir in lemon juice and combine.
Scrape into tine and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Stand on bench for 10 minutes then turn onto a wire rack until cold.
Meanwhile make buttercream:
GATHER:
175 grams unsalted butter, softened and diced
270 grams icing sugar, sifted
120 grams cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon of milk
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
LET’S GET TO IT:
Beat everything together in bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy.
When cold split the cake horizontally and trim to the top so it is flat.
Use a spatula to fill and ice the cake with the buttercream.
the hungry mum 
That lemon cake looks so lovely. My mother-in-law is in town and loves lemon desserts. I think I might have my husband take her out for a bit while I whip this up.
This is one of the best cakes I have made! The cake was lovely and the frosting was amazing, too. Hope you had a chance to bake it.
Lemon and cinnamon is not the first combo that would spring to my mind, but it definitely looks delicious!
I know, right? But trust me – it really works!
I love the flavors in this cake. It looks amazing!
Thanks so much – it was one delish cake!
Will try this. just in for my birthday!
Hip hip hooray! Hopefully you can get someone else to make the bday cake for you 🙂
Looks delicious and I love the idea of cinnamon butter cream.
OMGosh Sara – the buttercream is so freaking good. I heart cinnamon.
I love lemonade cakes! I use wizz fizz in mine to add the lemonade flavour. I have that book but haven’t yet cooked anything out of that. I should rectify that.
Wizz Fizz! Wow, haven;t heard of that in a while! The book is amazing, right up my sugar-filled alley 😉
your cake sounds amazing but im dying to try that cinnamon buttercream!
omg – the buttercream is so freaking awesome!
I wouldn’t immediately pair lemon and cinnamon in a cake, but the more I think about it, the more I’m sure it’s wonderful! Looking forward to giving this a try!
I know, right? But sometimes it is the most curious pairings that work – sweet and sour / salty and sweet 🙂
I think those pairings are some of my all-time favorites!
Mmm, this looks and sound delightful. I’ve been in the mood for cake all weekend, but with no time to make one. this is going to the top of my list!
I you’re craving cake, this is your go to 🙂
I was quite sure this cake was going to have some lemonade in it somewhere. It’s a great looking cake and I love the sound of the buttercream. What a relaxing and enjoyable day you had celebrating your friend’s birthday xx
I know – it doesn’t have lemonade in the cake, but it sure tastes like it does! It is def one of the yummiest cakes I’ve ever made.
What a lovely and refreshing combination!
xo
Thanks so much! The cake is so moist and the cinnamon icing is delectable.
Lovely teaming of flavours in there… beautiful cake . 🙂
Oh, you’re very kind to say that! Thanks.
How fabulous! This definitely sounds totally worthy of a Birthday celebration.
Still trying to sift through all the bits of blogging info we were given over the weekend and apply it to G&G… such a fabulous weekend and so great to finally meet you! M.xx
Lady, it was SUCH a fab weekend! Info overload, in a good way 🙂 This cake is super delish, really want to make it again.