When life gives you lemons, make a Lemonade Layer Cake! This delightful dessert combines the fresh and zesty flavors of lemonade with the sweet and moist layers of cake for a perfect treat to enjoy on a sunny afternoon or as a refreshing finale to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply want to indulge in a slice of sweetness, this recipe is sure to brighten your day.
**Lemonade Layer Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Zest of 2 lemons
– Juice of 2 lemons
**For the Lemonade Frosting:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Yellow food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until evenly incorporated into the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the Lemonade Frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Add yellow food coloring, if desired, for a bright lemonade color.
11. Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary and place one layer on a serving plate.
12. Spread a layer of Lemonade Frosting on top of the first cake layer, then repeat with the remaining layers.
13. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth finish.
14. Garnish with additional lemon zest or slices for a decorative touch.
Enjoy a slice of this Lemonade Layer Cake with a glass of iced tea or a cup of coffee, and savor the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet cake in every bite. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Serve it up and bask in the sunny flavors of this irresistible treat!
