There’s nothing quite like a homemade Lemon Layer Cake—light, moist layers flavored with real lemon and topped with silky lemon buttercream. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bridal shower, or just the joy of baking, this cake brings sunshine to every bite.
✅ Ingredients:
For the Cake:
-
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
4 large eggs
-
1 tablespoon lemon zest
-
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
-
1 cup whole milk
-
Optional: a drop of yellow food coloring for a brighter look
For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
4 cups powdered sugar
-
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest
-
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in lemon zest and juice.
Add dry ingredients to the wet in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
2. Bake the cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon juice, zest, and milk as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
4. Frost and layer:
Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers, then frost the top and sides. Decorate with lemon slices, zest, or edible flowers for a stunning finish.
Tips:
-
For extra lemon punch, brush each cake layer with a mix of lemon juice and sugar before frosting.
-
Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for neater layers.
-
You can bake this as a sheet cake or cupcakes — just adjust the baking time accordingly!
This Lemon Layer Cake is a showstopper: soft, sweet, and full of bright, tangy flavor. Serve with tea or sparkling lemonade for the perfect citrus celebration.
Love Lemon? Try These Next:
-
Lemon Jello Fluff – Light, creamy, and dreamy.
-
No-Bake Lemon Pie – Sweet, tangy, and perfectly chilled.
-
Lemon Drop Shot – Sweet, sour, and party-ready in seconds!
