There’s something magical about the bright, citrusy aroma of lemons that instantly transports me to sun-drenched orchards. Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for a dense and moist two-layer lemon cake, topped with a luscious lemon sugar frosting that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Lemon Sugar Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
For Decoration:
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- Lemon peel strips
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Close your eyes and imagine the sweet, buttery aroma filling your kitchen!
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be pale and creamy, like a summer sunrise.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice. The citrusy scent will instantly brighten your mood!
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick and velvety.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly lemon aroma!
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- For the finishing touch, sprinkle poppy seeds over the top of the cake. Arrange lemon peel strips in a decorative pattern, and place a fresh mint leaf in the center.
Pro Tip: To achieve that perfect dense and moist texture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, avoid overbaking – remove the cakes from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Slice into this lemony masterpiece and watch as your guests’ eyes light up with delight! The dense, moist layers perfectly complement the zesty frosting, while the poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate afternoon treat.
Enjoy your slice of sunshine! 🍋✨
