Lemon cake

Step 1

Prep pans: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of two 9'' round baking pans with a piece of parchment paper and lightly spray all over the inside of the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

Sift all-purpose flour and cake flour into a mixing bowl. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt then stir to combine.

Step 3

In a separate mixing bowl, add the butter, sugar and lemon zest then mix with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the whole eggs and mix well. Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in the vanilla.

Step 4

Alternately add in a little bit of the flour mixture and then the buttermilk, stirring between each addition. Divide batter evenly between the two prepared round cake pans. 

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven until toothpick inserted into center of the cakes comes out clean, about 24-29 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool several minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6

Add butter to a stand mixer or large mixing bowl and beat with beaters for 1 minute. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar, half of the lemon juice and the lemon zest. Beat well until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. 

Step 7

Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, and the remaining lemon juice until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Add more juice to thin, or more sugar to thicken.

Step 8

Frost cake once the cake is completely cool.