Gluten Free Classic Lemon Cake

Total time2 hr 5 min

Prep time30 min

Cook time35 min

Bright lemon zest and fresh juice run through every layer of this cake, from the fluffy, tender crumb to the tangy soak that gets brushed on while the layers are still warm. That soak is the trick to keeping this cake so moist — it seeps into every bite before the cream cheese frosting even goes on. Speaking of which, that frosting is rich, tangy, and just sweet enough, piled thick between the layers and swept in soft waves around the outside. A garnish of lemon slices or delicate zest curls gives it that bakery-case finish without any fuss. This one bakes up into a soft, springy crumb with clean layers that hold their shape when sliced, and it's a great pick for a gluten free celebration cake.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour Pillsbury Best Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend - 24 Oz Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour, 1 to 1, Gluten Free King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
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Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the lemon soak

¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
pinch of salt

For serving

lemon slices or zest curls, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, then grease the parchment and dust lightly with flour.
2
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.

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