Description
Indulge in the bright, zesty delight of Ina’s Lemon Cake—a fluffy, flavorful dessert that elevates any occasion. With its rich lemon flavor and velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a refreshing citrus burst, while the creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish. Whether garnished with fresh berries or served plain, Ina’s Lemon Cake is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 5 lemons
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round baking tins with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with buttermilk, remaining lemon juice, and vanilla until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cakes bake, prepare simple syrup by heating remaining lemon juice and sugar until dissolved; let cool.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar followed by vanilla and lemon juice.
- Once cooled, poke holes in cakes and drizzle with syrup before frosting layers generously.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg