How do you make lemon sponge cake?

This recipe is for a classic lemon sponge cake, light and airy with a tangy lemon flavor.

Ingredients:

* For the cake:

* 175g (6 oz) self-raising flour

* 175g (6 oz) caster sugar

* 175g (6 oz) unsalted butter, softened

* 3 large eggs

* Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

* 1 tbsp lemon juice

* 1 tsp baking powder

* For the lemon buttercream:

* 125g (4.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened

* 250g (9 oz) icing sugar, sifted

* 1 tbsp lemon juice

* Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

* Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin.

* In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

* Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

* Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest.

* Stir in the lemon juice.

* Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

* Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Buttercream:

* In a large bowl, cream together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.

* Gradually add the lemon juice and lemon zest, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Cake:

* Once the cake is completely cooled, cut it horizontally in half.

* Spread half of the lemon buttercream onto the bottom layer of the cake.

* Top with the second layer of cake.

* Cover the entire cake with the remaining lemon buttercream.

Tips and Variations:

* To add a touch of extra lemon flavor, sprinkle a little lemon sugar over the top of the cake before serving.

* You can also add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the buttercream for a brighter yellow color.

* For a fun twist, try adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers.

* If you don't have lemon juice on hand, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of lemon extract.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing lemon sponge cake!