When planning a wedding, every detail matters—the dress, the venue, the flowers, and of course, the cake. For many couples, the cake becomes the centerpiece of their reception, symbolizing sweetness, elegance, and a fresh beginning. Among countless wedding cake recipes, one flavor combination stands out for its balance of sophistication and crowd-pleasing appeal: the Lemon Wedding Cake with Buttercream.
This delightful cake offers a perfect balance of zesty citrus and creamy sweetness, making it a modern yet timeless option. Whether you are a professional baker designing cakes for clients or a home baker preparing for your own big day, this recipe provides everything you need for a wedding cake that is as stunning as it is delicious.
In this guide, we’ll cover the ingredients, tools, step-by-step preparation, expert baking tips, decorating inspiration, storage advice, and serving suggestions—all optimized for those searching for the best wedding cake recipes online.
Why Lemon Wedding Cake with Buttercream is a Wedding Favorite
When you browse through wedding cake recipes, you’ll notice that vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet often dominate. However, lemon offers something uniquely refreshing:
- Light and refreshing – Perfect for spring and summer weddings.
- Elegant flavor profile – Tart lemon pairs beautifully with sweet buttercream.
- Versatility – Works with various fillings such as raspberry, strawberry, or elderflower.
- Visual appeal – Pale yellow cake layers look beautiful when sliced and served.
Couples love it because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Guests appreciate that it’s not overly heavy after a big wedding meal.
Ingredients for Lemon Wedding Cake with Buttercream
Here’s what you’ll need for a three-tier cake (serves approx. 75–80 guests). You can scale down for smaller gatherings.
For the Lemon Cake Layers
- 6 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups buttermilk, room temperature
For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- 3 lbs unsalted butter, softened
- 14 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
Optional Fillings
- Lemon curd
- Raspberry jam
- Elderflower syrup brushed on layers for moisture
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Stand mixer with paddle and whisk attachment
- Three round cake pans (different sizes depending on tiers: 12-inch, 9-inch, 6-inch)
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags and tips
- Cake turntable
- Bench scraper for smooth buttercream
- Cooling racks
- Cake dowels and boards for support (if tiered)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare Cake Pans
Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
4: Add Flavor
Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5: Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6: Bake the Layers
Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 30–40 minutes (depending on size), until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on racks.
7: Make Lemon Buttercream
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Pour in cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Whip until fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Level cooled cakes. Place the first layer on a board, spread with buttercream (and optional curd/jam). Stack remaining layers.
9: Crumb Coat
Apply a thin layer of frosting to seal crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes.
Step 10: Final Frosting and Decoration
Apply a thick, smooth coat of buttercream. Use a bench scraper for a polished finish. Decorate with fresh flowers, lemon slices, or edible gold.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Wedding Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients – Helps create a smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to avoid dense cake.
- Add a moisture layer – Brush cakes with lemon syrup for added flavor and to keep layers soft.
- Stability for tiers – Use cake dowels and boards for multi-tiered stability.
- Fresh over artificial – Fresh lemon juice and zest give a more vibrant flavor than extracts.
Decorating Ideas for a Wedding Cake
- Classic Elegance: Smooth buttercream with fresh white roses.
- Rustic Chic: Naked cake style with exposed layers.
- Spring Romance: Decorate with edible flowers and citrus slices.
- Luxury Look: Add edible gold leaf accents.
Pairing Ideas
- Champagne or Prosecco enhances citrus flavors.
- Light tea blends (like Earl Grey) make a beautiful pairing for wedding showers.
- Raspberry coulis or sorbet complements lemon perfectly when served alongside.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Cake layers can be baked and frozen up to 1 month in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
- Buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week. Re-whip before use.
- Assembled cakes last 3 days refrigerated but should be brought to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Estimate (per slice, approx. 1/80 of cake)
- Calories: ~430
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Sugar: 38 g
Why This Recipe Stands Out Among Wedding Cake Recipes
What sets this cake apart from other wedding cake recipes is its perfect harmony of flavors. Lemon brings brightness, buttercream adds creamy indulgence, and the presentation is endlessly versatile. Unlike heavy chocolate or overly sweet vanilla cakes, this lemon creation offers balance and elegance.
Whether you’re baking for a grand ballroom reception or a small garden wedding, this cake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
When it comes to wedding cake recipes, the Lemon Wedding Cake with Buttercream is a standout option. It combines elegance, freshness, and sophistication in every bite. With its zesty citrus flavor and velvety buttercream finish, it’s a cake worthy of any wedding celebration.
So, if you’re planning a wedding and want a cake that is as memorable as your big day, this recipe is for you. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating not just a cake—but a centerpiece of love, joy, and celebration.
