06/17/2024
Lemon Cake for a Crowd
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
For the Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
