Description
A refreshing and zesty lemon cake that’s moist and perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
- 4 eggs
- Lemon zest from 5 lemons
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, divided
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round baking tins by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- Beat together the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by 1/4 cup lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the simple syrup by mixing 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter together, add powdered sugar cup by cup, mixing well and scraping down the sides as needed, then mix in the vanilla and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Once the cakes are done, remove from the oven, poke holes all over the surface with a fork, and pour the simple syrup evenly over both cakes while they are still warm.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg