This citrus-intense sheet cake is calling all lemon lovers to the yard; a super easy lemon sheet cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with lemon cream cheese frosting!

You remember that time when Kim Kardashian broke the internet?

Yeah, well, this lemon sheet cake did too…in my head anyways. I recently had the opportunity to contribute a recipe on Design*Sponge and I’ve never received so many comments, messages, and pics on a recipe than this one right here. So many have tried the recipe and raved about it. You guys sent me photos of your creations, some even with your cute kids in the photos, and much more.

If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with this blog, you know how much I love lemons. Most ask me if I prefer lemons in sweet or savory dishes, but really, I love lemons any kind of way. Case in point, these lemon muffins or this chicken fettuccine with lemon cream sauce. Give me lemons, all day, everyday. So naturally, with Spring being here and all, a lemon sheet cake was on the brain.

One of my favorite ways to make a cake is sheet cake style because there’s no putting together cake layers and all of the headache that comes with that. You put everything together and let it bake, then top that ish with some delicious frosting. And boom, you have a cake that feeds a party in no time! See, I got your back babe.

This lemon sheet cake is truly one of my faves, friends. It’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor, yet, not very overwhelming. It also yields a nice tender and moist crumb that is delicious to the last bite. Some of you that have tried this recipe have put your own spin on this lemon sheet cake and I love it. A few have told me that they’ve substituted the granulated sugar for coconut sugar which is a great alternative to those wanting to consume unrefined sugar or those who have diabetes. And another person mentioned how she even used rosemary in this recipe!

That’s one of the things I love about making food; there’s so many ways you can adapt a recipe. This lemon sheet cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is great for parties or small get togethers as it feeds enough for a crowd. I actually make this cake quite often and it never gets old. And the tanginess of the lemon cream cheese frosting truly does pair beautifully on top of this cake.

A super delicious and easy sheet cake with a lemon kiss. Ya girl is obsessed with this cake and I’m quite sure you will be too. Enjoy!

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Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon Sheet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Quin Liburd
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 16–20 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This citrus-intense sheet cake is calling all lemon lovers to the yard; a super easy lemon sheet cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with lemon cream cheese frosting!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup whole buttermilk
  • Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking pan with baking spray. Line with parchment paper and spray again. This ensures that the parchment paper adheres well to the pan.
  2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar together at medium speed until fluffy, 3-4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk- beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely. Spread cream cheese frosting on top of cake, slice into squares, and garnish with candied or fresh thinly-sliced lemon slices, if desired. I found pre-packaged candied lemon slices from Trader Joes.
  7. Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
  8. Beat the cream cheese and butter together with a mixer until creamy. Add in powdered sugar until combined, then add lemon extract.