Lemon Lovers’ Delight Cake

Welcome to a citrusy journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and brighten your day! The “Lemon Lovers’ Delight Cake” is a dream come true for those who can’t get enough of the zesty, vibrant flavor of lemons. This delightful cake is a triple threat of lemony goodness, featuring a moist and fluffy lemon-infused sponge, a tangy and rich lemon curd filling, and a smooth, creamy lemon buttercream frosting. Each bite of this cake is like a burst of sunshine, combining the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that lemon enthusiasts adore.

Crafted with love and the freshest of ingredients, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The bright and cheerful lemon zest, coupled with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, ensures that every element of this cake sings with natural lemon flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a love for all things lemon, this cake is sure to thrill and impress. So, let’s embark on this lemony adventure and create a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Lemon Curd:

• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Lemon Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Curd:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Gradually whisk in the warm lemon mixture.
3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon curd over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top of the curd. Frost the top and sides of the cake with lemon buttercream frosting.
3. Garnish with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices, if desired.

Enjoy your Lemon Lovers’ Delight Cake, a true celebration of all things lemon!