Lemon Layer Cake Recipe

Lemon Layer Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
• For the Lemon Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Garnish:
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the lemon juice until just combined.
6. Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. Make Lemon Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until creamy.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the second layer, more frosting, and then top with the third layer.
   • Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Decorate with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves before serving.

This lemon layer cake is perfect for any celebration or as a refreshing end to a summery meal. The bright flavors and beautiful presentation are sure to impress your guests!