Vegetarian 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 tender crumb to the tangy soak that keeps each slice moist, all the way to the creamy, citrus-laced frosting. The two golden rounds bake up soft and fine-textured thanks to a classic butter-and-sugar creaming method, then get brushed while still warm so they soak up every bit of that sweet-tart syrup. A rich cream cheese frosting, brightened with more lemon juice and zest, gets swept over the layers in a thick, billowy coat before a quick chill sets everything into clean, sliceable perfection. Finished with a few curls of lemon zest or thin citrus slices on top, it's the kind of bakery-style layer cake that looks as impressive as it tastes. This one fits neatly into a vegetarian kitchen and makes a stunning centerpiece for birthdays, spring gatherings, or any excuse to serve a proper layer cake.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Jovial Flour All Purpose Organic Einkorn Bag - 32 Oz Ka Flour Unbleached - 10 LB White Lily All Purpose Flour
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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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