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Lemon Layer Cake

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A soft and fluffy lemon layer cake filled and frosted with creamy lemon buttercream, delivering bright citrus flavor and a tender crumb in every elegant slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line three 8 inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and heavy cream, mixing just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
  10. Frost the outside of the cake evenly, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Cool cake layers completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Chill the frosted cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: lemon layer cake, lemon cake recipe, citrus cake, homemade layer cake, lemon dessert