Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Ina’s Lemon Cake, a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to elegant dinner parties. This cake features a rich and zesty flavor profile, thanks to the generous use of fresh lemon juice and zest. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and adorned with vibrant raspberries, it not only tastes divine but also offers a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this cake is bound to become a favorite at celebrations or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest from 5 lemons
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and prepare two 9-inch round baking tins by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until well combined. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter along with lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling the cakes, prepare simple syrup by heating remaining lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together; gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Finish with vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- After cakes cool completely, poke holes on top of each layer with a fork; pour simple syrup over both layers before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg