Spring Birthday Sheet Cake (Print version)

Tender vanilla crumb with lemon curd filling and whipped cream frosting, perfect for spring celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Lemon Curd Filling

11 - 4 large egg yolks
12 - ½ cup granulated sugar
13 - ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
14 - Zest of 2 lemons
15 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed

→ Whipped Cream Frosting

16 - 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
17 - ½ cup powdered sugar
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Decoration

19 - Fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
20 - Edible flowers or lemon zest curls

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
05 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
06 - In a small saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover surface with plastic wrap, and chill until cold.
07 - Whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
08 - Once the cake is cool, carefully slice it horizontally to create two layers. Remove the top layer and spread the chilled lemon curd evenly over the bottom layer. Replace the top layer.
09 - Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the cake. Decorate with fresh berries, edible flowers, or lemon zest as desired.
10 - Chill cake for at least 1 hour before serving to achieve clean slices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of sweet vanilla cake and tangy lemon curd creates an irresistible flavor combination
  • Light whipped cream frosting keeps the cake refreshing rather than overly sweet
  • Makes enough to serve 12 people, ideal for birthday parties and spring celebrations
  • Beautiful presentation with fresh berries and optional edible flowers
  • Can be made ahead and assembled the day of your event
02 -
  • Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before baking for the most tender crumb
  • Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour—mix just until combined to keep the cake light
  • Stir the lemon curd constantly while cooking to prevent curdling and ensure a silky texture
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream for best results
  • Use a cake leveler or long serrated knife to cut the cake horizontally into even layers
  • Let the assembled cake chill for at least an hour before slicing for the cleanest cuts
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