Shelly's Recipe

LEMON CAKE WITH LEMON FILLING AND LEMON BUTTER FROSTING

Category: Cakes

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk

Filling
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
6 tbsp butter
3/4 cup white sugar
4 egg yolks, beaten

Frosting
4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 8 inch round pans. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

To make filling: In medium saucepan, mix together 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Mix in 6 tbsp butter and 3/4 cup sugar, and bring mixture to boil over medium heat. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. In small bowl, with a wire whisk, beat egg yolks until smooth. Whisk in a small amount of the hot lemon mixture. Pour the egg mixture into the sauce pan, beating the hot lemon mixture rapidly. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes, or until thick (not to boil).

Pour mixture into medium bowl. Press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming as it cools. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate 3 hours.

To make frosting: In large bowl, beat confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest until smooth. Beat in milk, and increase speed and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

To assemble: With long serrated knife, split each cake layer in half horizontally, making 4 layers. Place 1 layer, cut side up, on a serving plate. Spread with half of the lemon filling. Top with another layer, and spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Add third layer, and spread with remaining half of the lemon filling. Press on final cake layer, and frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate cake until serving time.