Go Back

Rainbow Mosaic M&M Lemon Cake

Beautiful M&M cake with a lemon cake base that's perfect for a party
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

LEMON CAKE:
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice ~ 3 lemons
CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch salt to taste
  • 1 bag M&Ms to decorate

Instructions
 

  • LEMON CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three cake pans (I used 6 inches for a taller cake) and line with parchment paper rounds.
    Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. With a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the milk, lemon and lemon juice and mix just until combined.
    Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for around 35-40 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
  • CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, lemon juice if frosting is too thick, or add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.
  • ASSEMBLY: Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with about 1 cup of frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer and evenly cover the top with about 1 cup of frosting. Top with the third cake layer.
    Spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Decorate with M&Ms while frosting is still soft. Enjoy!