Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F Butter and flour 2 non-stick 8 inch cake pans. I like to put a round of parchment paper on the bottom of the pans just to insure a good release.

Step 2

Cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 3

Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, along with the vanilla.

Step 4

In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the yogurt and mix until well combined. Scrape down the bowl.

Step 7

Fold in the whipped egg whites, and when no white streaks remain.

Step 8

Fold in the berries.

Step 9

Spread the batter evenly between the two cake pans and even out the tops with an offset spatula.

Step 10

Bake the cakes on the same oven shelf for about 30 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched and the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don't over bake.

Step 11

Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before turning them out and cooling them completely on a rack.

Step 12

To make the frosting cream the butter, sugar, (and the drop of food coloring, if using) adding enough lemon juice to make a creamy spreadable frosting. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more sugar for a stiffer frosting, and more lemon juice if it's too stiff.

Step 13

Frost the cake when completely cool. Add a generous amount of frosting to the first layer, then top with second layer and finish frosting top and sides.