Sybil's Old-Fashioned Lemon Layer Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
• For the frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and mix until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
7. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.
9. To make the frosting, beat the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, until completely incorporated. Add the lemon juice and zest, and mix until combined.
10. Add the cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
11. Spread the frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.

Interesting Facts

• Lemon layer cakes are a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.
• This cake recipe is a classic example of an old-fashioned lemon layer cake.
• The key to making a delicious old-fashioned lemon layer cake is to use freshly-squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.