The Ultimate Lemon Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and mix until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest and beat until well combined and smooth.
9. To assemble the cake, place one layer of cake on a cake plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
10. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.