Spring Birthday Cake – Lemon Curd Surprise Inside
This Spring Birthday Cake hides a tangy lemon curd surprise inside a light, fluffy lemon cake—perfect for spring celebrations.
This delightful Spring Birthday Cake features a zesty lemon curd surprise hidden inside! Perfect for celebrating those special occasions, it’s light, refreshing, and easy to make—ideal for busy weeknights and spring gatherings.
Spring Birthday Cake – Lemon Curd Surprise Inside
- A refreshing lemon curd filling that surprises with every slice.
- Light and fluffy texture makes it perfectly airy for spring celebrations.
- Simple recipe that’s quick to whip up, even on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring they are ready for the batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and lemon zest, combining well. In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Remove from the oven, let cool, and then gently cut a small hole in the center of each cake layer to create room for the lemon curd filling. Fill this cavity generously with the lemon curd and stack the layers carefully. Finish with a drizzle of icing or dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Make-Ahead
This cake can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it un-frosted in an airtight container.
Storing
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. For a fresh taste, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a side of fresh berries for an extra festive presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat and prepare pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream butter and sugar; add liquids and zest
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, buttermilk, and lemon zest to the mixture.
Sift dry ingredients
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet mixture.
Bake and cool; fill with lemon curd
Divide batter between pans; bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely, then cut a hole in the center of each layer and fill with lemon curd.
Assemble and serve
Stack the layers with lemon curd in the center; frost if desired and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use store-bought lemon curd for the filling?
Yes. Use lemon curd as a filling to save time, or make your own lemon curd for a fresher taste.
What size pans should I use for this cake?
Two 9-inch round cake pans work best.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cakes, wrap, and refrigerate unfrosted for up to 1 day. Assemble and frost before serving.
What goes well with lemon cake?
Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light vanilla frosting complement lemon cake nicely.