Classic Lemon Layer Cake

Indulge in the tangy and refreshing flavors of this classic Lemon Layer Cake. With its moist lemon cake layers and creamy lemon buttercream frosting, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion. The zesty lemon taste combined with the light and fluffy texture will leave your taste buds craving for more. Perfect for lemon lovers, this cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Yellow food coloring (optional)
• Additional lemon zest for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In the meantime, prepare the Lemon Buttercream Frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
11. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemony appearance of the frosting.
12. Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of lemon buttercream frosting on top.
13. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, spreading frosting between each layer and covering the sides and top of the cake.
14. Garnish with additional lemon zest for decoration, if desired.
15. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set.
16. Slice and serve the tangy and refreshing Lemon Layer Cake to enjoy!

Interesting Facts