# Ingredient List:
→ Lemon cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - Zest of 2 lemons
09 - 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Lemon pistachio frosting
12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
13 - 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cream cheese, room temperature
14 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
15 - Zest of 1 lemon
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 1/2 cup finely ground unsalted pistachios
18 - Pinch of fine salt
→ Decoration
19 - 1/2 cup roughly chopped pistachios
20 - Zest of 1 lemon
21 - Edible flowers or spring sprinkles (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round pans with parchment paper, then lightly butter the parchment.
02 - Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the lemon zest and vanilla until combined.
05 - Stir the lemon juice into the milk. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and the lemon-milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients; mix just until incorporated.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the three prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake 25–30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the centers comes out clean.
07 - Allow the layers to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely before assembling.
08 - Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar in batches, then fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, ground pistachios and a pinch of salt; beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting, repeat with remaining layers, then frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
10 - Press chopped pistachios and lemon zest into the sides and top as desired, add edible flowers or sprinkles if using, and chill for 30 minutes to set before slicing.
