There is something truly magical about the Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe that makes it a standout treat for any occasion. With its light, pillowy crumb infused with fresh lemon zest and a hint of tangy lemon juice, this cake feels like a bright summer breeze on your plate. The whipped cream rosettes crowning the top add an elegant, creamy touch that perfectly balances the cake’s citrus sweetness. If you’re looking for a dessert that is simple yet irresistibly charming, this lemon cloud cake brings joy in every bite and will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightfully fluffy and flavorful cake, you only need a handful of essential ingredients that each play a special role in making the final dessert so memorable. From creating the perfect texture and rise to infusing it with fresh citrus brightness, every item in the list is a must-have for success.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully without overpowering the lemon notes.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is the magic that helps the cake rise to a fluffy and dreamy height.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Adds moisture and richness, contributing to a soft, lush texture.
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a moist and tender crumb that’s pure cake heaven.
- 0.75 cup milk: Keeps the batter light and helps the cake stay fluffy after baking.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Infuses a fresh, vibrant lemon flavor throughout every bite.
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice: Provides the perfect citrus tang to brighten the cake’s flavor profile.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a sweet and delicate finishing touch.
- Heavy cream: Used to whip up the divine rosettes that adorn the cake’s surface with silky smoothness.
How to Make Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start your baking adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your lemon cloud cake bakes evenly and effortlessly releases once done. This simple prep sets the stage for success.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture forms the foundation that will give your cake structure and lift while keeping a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps give the cake its cloud-like texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemon Zest
Incorporate the 3 large eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the 2 tablespoons of fragrant lemon zest and a splash of vanilla extract to build layers of bright, inviting flavor that awaken your senses.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This alternating method gently folds everything together while maintaining the batter’s lightness.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cake turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This signals the perfect moist, tender crumb inside.
Step 7: Cool Before Decorating
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes so it firms up a bit for easier removal. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the whipped cream rosettes will sit prettily without melting away.
Step 8: Whip the Cream
Chill a mixing bowl and beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream will provide those dreamy rosettes that add a touch of elegance and luscious creaminess to every slice.
Step 9: Dust and Decorate
Lightly dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar, then use a piping bag to pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges. This finishing flourish makes your Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe look as stunning as it tastes.
How to Serve Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe

Garnishes
A few fresh lemon slices, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest can add a pop of color and an extra zing of citrus aroma that enhances the overall presentation without stealing the spotlight from the whipped cream rosettes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh seasonal berries, a scoop of tangy sorbet, or a light fruit salad. These accompaniments elevate the citrus notes and keep the dessert feeling refreshing and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a small dollop of lemon curd on the side or arrange mini version cupcakes topped with the same whipped cream rosettes for a charming tea party treat. Presentation is your chance to add personality and fun to the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once decorated, store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream rosettes fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. Wrapped well, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake before decorating, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Defrost completely in the refrigerator before adding whipped cream and serving.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed fresh and cool, avoid reheating. If you prefer, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the texture without losing the fresh cream charm.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While lemon extract can provide some citrus flavor, fresh lemon zest and juice bring a brightness and natural tang that make this cake truly irresistible. For best results, stick with fresh lemons when possible.
Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes and watch closely to avoid overbaking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative?
You can try whipping coconut cream as a dairy-free substitute, but it may change the flavor and texture of the rosettes slightly. Experiment to find the option you love best!
How long can the whipped cream rosettes hold their shape?
Whipped cream rosettes typically hold their shape beautifully for up to 6 hours refrigerated. For longer-lasting decorations, consider stabilizing the whipped cream with a bit of gelatin or a commercial stabilizer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?
You can bake the cake up to two days ahead, keeping it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated. Add the whipped cream rosettes and dusting on the day you plan to serve for the freshest, most stunning presentation.
Final Thoughts
There is truly no better way to brighten up any occasion than with the sunshiny charm of the Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe. It’s a recipe that combines simplicity, elegance, and that perfect burst of lemony happiness in every forkful. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving a delightful treat, this cake is sure to bring smiles and satisfy your sweet tooth with joy. So grab your ingredients, embrace the fun of baking, and share this lovely treat with those you cherish most!
Print
Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake with Whipped Cream Rosettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistibly Sweet Lemon Cloud Cake is a light and fluffy dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavors. Topped with delicate whipped cream rosettes and a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 0.75 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Heavy cream (for whipped cream rosettes)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing and lightly flouring it to ensure easy cake release.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the lemon zest and a splash of vanilla extract to infuse bright citrus and subtle vanilla notes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with milk and lemon juice, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to maintain the batter’s airy texture without overworking it.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing condensation and sogginess.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, ensuring a stable and fluffy topping.
- Decorate: Once the cake is cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar and pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges for a beautiful and irresistible finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better batter consistency and rising.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Whip the cream in a chilled bowl and use cold heavy cream for best results when making rosettes.
- The lemon zest and juice can be adjusted for more or less citrus flavor according to taste.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

