Recipe: A Springtime Favorite, The Lemon Cake with a Legacy
Some recipes are more than just ingredients and instructions—they’re memories, moments, and milestones shared across generations. One of those treasured recipes in our family is this light, refreshing lemon cake.
It was first served at a baby shower in my honor, over 40 years ago, as we celebrated the arrival of our daughter Betsy. It was pretty, simple, and so delicious that it left a lasting impression. Decades later, when it was time to celebrate Betsy’s own baby shower, I knew exactly what dessert would be on the table. It felt like a beautiful full-circle moment—serving the same cake that had marked her beginning, now celebrating the next chapter in her story.
This lemon angel food cake is the perfect dessert for springtime or Easter. It’s light, lovely, and comes together with very little fuss. You can make the cake from scratch if you'd like, or keep things simple with a store-bought angel food cake. Either way, it’s the bright lemon filling that truly makes this dessert special.
Here’s how to make it:
🍋 Lemon Angel Food Cake
You’ll need:
1 angel food cake (homemade or store-bought)
Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Thin lemon slices for garnish
For the Lemon Filling (see handwritten recipe card below):
1 tsp grated lemon peel (or 2 tsp if you love extra lemon!)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
3 eggs, beaten
¾ cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream or 8 oz. container of Cool Whip
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except the cream in a double boiler.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 10–15 minutes, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do NOT let this boil.
Let the filling cool completely.
Slice the angel food cake horizontally into three layers.
Spread the chilled lemon filling between each layer.
Frost the top and outside with Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream.
Garnish with thin lemon slices or edible flowers for a beautiful springtime finish.
It’s a light, citrusy treat that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, Easter brunch, or just a simple gathering with friends, this lemon cake adds a special touch to the table—and maybe even creates a sweet new tradition of your own.
