An Irresistible Lemon Cake Delight

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (360°F). Grease and flour two 18 cm (7-inch) round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined. Fold in lemon zest.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the lemon filling, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.
9. Add butter and sugar, cooking over medium heat until the mixture boils. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
10. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks. Slowly whisk a small amount of hot lemon mixture into the yolks, then return everything to the saucepan.
11. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Do not boil. Cover and cool completely, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
12. For the frosting, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Add milk gradually until fluffy.
13. Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four layers total. Spread half the lemon filling on the first layer, top with the second layer, and spread with frosting.
14. Add the third layer, spread remaining lemon filling, top with final layer, and frost the top and sides. Chill until ready to serve.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Add poppy seeds to the cake batter for texture and a classic lemon twist.
• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for an even softer crumb.
• Replace lemon juice in the frosting with orange juice for a citrus blend.
• Add a thin layer of raspberry jam between layers for a fruity contrast.

Serving Suggestions