Description
This Lemon Layer Cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Each layer is infused with lemon zest and juice, then finished with a smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and brightness. It’s a refreshing dessert that feels light yet indulgent—perfect for celebrations or everyday treats.
Ingredients
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
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1 cup unsalted butter softened for frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide batter into pans and bake for 20–25 minutes until done.
8. Let cake layers cool completely before frosting.
9. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
10. Assemble and frost the cake evenly between layers and on top.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon cake, layer cake, citrus dessert, homemade cake