Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease and line with parchment paper two 9-inch round baking tins.

Step 2

Beat together the butter and 2 cups of the sugar. Mix in the eggs, one at a time. Add the lemon zest.

Step 3

Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Step 4

Add the dry ingredients, 1/4 cup lemon juice,  the buttermilk, and the vanilla and mix well.

Step 5

Divide the batter between the two cake pans, and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6

Meanwhile, make the simple syrup: over medium-high heat, mix together 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside.

Step 7

Make the frosting: beat together the cream cheese and the butter. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Mix in the vanilla and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Step 8

When the cake has finished baking, use a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Divide the simple syrup between the two cakes and pour over top.