Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

7. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 6: Bake

8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.