Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
Incorporate the Lemon Flavor
- Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
Bake
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle over the cake while slightly warm for a glossy finish.
Notes
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts lemon juice and sugar.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Slice, 12 Servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon dream cake, lemon cake recipe, easy lemon cake, homemade lemon cake, best lemon cake, lemon glaze cake, lemon dessert, fluffy lemon cake, tangy lemon cake, buttermilk lemon cake