Lemon Cake with Lemon Filling and Lemon Butter Frosting

THE INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 4 egg yolks, beaten
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

How to make it :

1. Preheat oven to  (175 degrees C)350 degrees F . Grease and flour two 8 inch round pans. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about five 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.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for half-hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans on wire racks for ten minutes. Then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. To make filling: In medium saucepan, mix together 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Mix in 6 tablespoons 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).
5. Pour mixture into medium bowl. Press plastic wrap onto surface to keep skin from forming as it cools. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate three hours.
6. To make frosting: In large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. Beat in milk, and increase speed and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
7. 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.