If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies both sunshine and sweetness, look no further than this delightful Lemon Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a celebration of citrus flavors, perfect for springtime gatherings, summer picnics, or any occasion that calls for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until fluffy and smooth.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and repeat the process, finishing with the third layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
