Festive Easter Lemon Velvet Cake

Easter is a time for fresh flavors, bright colors, and desserts that bring joy to the celebration. A lemon velvet cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table with its soft texture, tangy citrus flavor, and creamy frosting. The lightness of lemon combined with the richness of velvet cake creates a treat that feels refreshing yet indulgent.
This Easter dessert is not only delicious but also beautiful when decorated with pastel colors or spring themed toppings. It is simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve at a family gathering. Each slice delivers a burst of sunshine, making it an ideal way to celebrate the season of renewal and joy.
Why You Need This Recipe

You need this recipe because it combines the elegance of velvet cake with the bright and zesty flavor of lemon. It is a dessert that feels both festive and refreshing, perfect for spring celebrations. Unlike heavier cakes, this one is light and moist, making it easy to enjoy after a big holiday meal.
This recipe is also versatile. You can bake it as a traditional layered cake, a sheet cake for easy serving, or even as cupcakes for individual treats. The lemon flavor pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or a whipped buttercream, giving you flexibility to make it your own.
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a soft and flavorful cake with a bright lemon taste. Below is a detailed table including calorie counts
Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
---|---|---|
All purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | 1140 |
Sugar | 2 cups | 1540 |
Butter | 1 cup | 1620 |
Eggs | 4 large | 280 |
Buttermilk | 1 cup | 150 |
Lemon juice | 1/4 cup | 15 |
Lemon zest | 2 tbsp | 10 |
Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 |
Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
Cream cheese (frosting) | 8 oz | 800 |
Powdered sugar (frosting) | 2 cups | 960 |
These simple ingredients balance sweetness, tanginess, and richness to create a moist and festive Easter cake
How to Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your cake pans. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time. Stir in lemon juice and zest to infuse the batter with citrus flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until everything is well combined.
Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread generously between the layers and across the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with pastel sprinkles, sugared lemon slices, or edible flowers for an Easter touch.
Pro Tips
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavour.Allow your butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices and
Add pastel coloured decorations for a festive Easter presentation.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
This lemon velvet cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a light sparkling drink. For toppings, you can add whipped cream, candied lemon slices, or pastel sprinkles to make it festive. Fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries also complement the citrus flavor while adding a colorful spring look to your dessert table.
Conclusion
Festive Easter lemon velvet cake is the perfect blend of light, zesty flavour and soft, velvety texture. It is a dessert that brings elegance and brightness to your holiday celebration while being simple enough to prepare at home. Decorated with seasonal toppings, this cake will not only taste amazing but also serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table.