A LEMON CAKE
An irresistibly moist and tangy lemon cake that bursts with citrus flavor in every bite. This heavenly dessert combines a tender crumb with a zesty lemon glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that'll have you coming back for seconds
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the lemon buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the lemon zest and juice. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
- Divide the batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake the cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Make the lemon buttercream frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Beat in the lemon zest and juice, then beat in the salt.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of lemon buttercream frosting on top of the cake. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix: Don't overmix the batter or the frosting, as this can cause the cake to become tough and dense.
- Add some color: Add some yellow or pink food coloring to the frosting to give the cake a fun and playful color.
- Make it a layer cake: Make the cake into a layer cake by stacking three or four layers of cake, with a thick layer of frosting in between each layer.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add some poppy seeds to the batter for a fun and playful texture.
- Lemon Blueberry Cake: Add some fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Add some cream cheese to the frosting for a tangy and creamy flavor.