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When it comes to wedding cake recipes, couples often dream of a dessert that is both stunning in presentation and unforgettable in taste. While traditional wedding cakes are often vanilla or chocolate, modern brides and grooms are embracing unique flavors that reflect their personalities and create a memorable culinary experience for their guests.

One flavor that’s stealing the spotlight is lemon. Fresh, bright, and slightly tangy, lemon pairs beautifully with weddings in every season. Today, we’re exploring a show-stopping Lemon Wedding Cake with Lemon Curd—a recipe that balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus kick. Perfect for spring and summer weddings, this cake offers an elegant twist on classic wedding cake recipes, ensuring every bite is light, vibrant, and utterly divine.

Why Choose Lemon for Wedding Cake Recipes?

Wedding cakes are not just desserts—they’re centerpieces of celebration. Choosing lemon as a wedding cake flavor has several benefits:

Refreshing and Light – Unlike heavier chocolate or buttercream cakes, lemon brings a light, zesty flavor that won’t overwhelm after a large meal.
Pairs Beautifully – Lemon complements fillings like curd, mousse, or fruit compotes, and frostings like vanilla buttercream or cream cheese.
Seasonal Versatility – Works wonderfully in warm-weather weddings but feels elegant enough for winter celebrations with the right decorations.
A Modern Classic – Lemon wedding cakes are unique while still offering a timeless sophistication.

Ingredients for Lemon Wedding Cake with Lemon Curd

Here’s what you’ll need to craft this elegant showpiece:

For the Lemon Cake Layers:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 ½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract

the Lemon Curd Filling:

4 large egg yolks
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup unsalted butter (cubed)

the Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream or Cream Cheese):

1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
6 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk, as needed for texture)

Required Kitchen Tools

3 round cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Cooling racks
Offset spatula (for frosting)
Cake turntable (optional, but helpful for even frosting)
Zester and juicer for lemons

Step-by-Step Preparation

1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir in vanilla.
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.

2: Make the Lemon Curd

In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in butter cubes until smooth.
Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto surface), and chill for at least 2 hours.

3: Prepare the Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
Stir in vanilla and heavy cream until light and fluffy.

4: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving stand or turntable. Spread an even layer of lemon curd.
Add the second cake layer and spread with frosting.
Add the third cake layer and cover the entire cake with a thin “crumb coat” of frosting. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Apply the final coat of frosting smoothly. Decorate with lemon slices, edible flowers, or gold leaf for an elegant wedding look.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Lemon Wedding Cake

Stabilize the Cake: If stacking multiple tiers, insert dowels or supports for balance.
Flavor Balance: If lemon curd is very tart, balance it with a sweeter buttercream.
Make Ahead: Bake cakes and lemon curd a day before assembling to save time.
Seasonal Garnishes: Use fresh berries in summer, sugared cranberries in winter.
Texture Variation: Add a layer of whipped cream or mousse alongside lemon curd for extra luxury.

Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 1/12 of cake)

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Sugars: 52 g
Fat: 28 g
Protein: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Vitamin C: 12% DV

(Values vary depending on portion size and frosting choice.)

Decorating Ideas for Wedding Presentation

Since this is not just any cake but a wedding cake recipe, presentation matters:

Classic Elegance: White buttercream with piped borders and fresh white roses.
Rustic Chic: Naked cake style with visible cake edges, decorated with greenery.
Luxury Glam: Smooth fondant finish with gold leaf and sugar flowers.
Seasonal Vibes: Berries in summer, sugared citrus in winter, pastel florals in spring.

Why This Recipe Stands Out Among Wedding Cake Recipes

Flavorful but not overwhelming – The balance of sweet and tart is perfect for long celebrations.
Customizable tiers – Works as a single-tier cake for small weddings or a three-tier centerpiece.
Visual appeal – Lemon cakes have a natural brightness, making them picture-perfect.
Guest-approved – Even those who dislike overly sweet desserts will love this refreshing cake.

Conclusion

Wedding cakes symbolize love, commitment, and celebration. Choosing the right flavor can elevate your big day, leaving lasting memories for you and your guests. Among countless wedding cake recipes, this Lemon Wedding Cake with Lemon Curd stands out as a modern yet timeless choice.

Its zesty lemon flavor, silky curd filling, and creamy frosting combine to create a cake that is both refreshing and luxurious. Perfect for couples who want something unique yet elegant, this recipe guarantees your wedding dessert table will be unforgettable.

So whether you’re a bride, groom, or baker preparing for a special occasion, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite among all wedding cake recipes.