Lemon Cake - by Barefoot Contessa

This is one yummy and perfect Lemon Cake recipe I found in the Food Network website. The recipe comes from none other than Food Network's famous program, Barefoot Contessa, hosted by Ina Garten. One bite into this cake and you will forget all about your diet ;)

And I thought why not bake such a yummy cake for our friends 25th wedding anniversary. And thats what I did.. :) What do you think? :)

Courtesy: Food Network

For the cake

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cupsgranulated sugar
4 extra-largeeggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoonbaking powder
1/2 teaspoonbaking soda
1 teaspoonkosher salt
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoonpure vanilla extract

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. You may also line the bottom with parchment paper, if desired.
Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and the lemon zest.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla.
Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.
When the cakes are done, allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Remove the cakes from the pans and set them on a rack set over a tray or sheet pan;
Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Your yummy lemon cake is ready to be served :)