Ingredients
1 c. unsalted butter
3 c. all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
3/4 c. low-fat buttermilk
Zest of 2 lemons
c. fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
5 large eggs
2 c. confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lowest position. Butter and flour two 4 1/2-by-8-inch (6-cup) loaf pans.Step 2In a small bowl (or liquid measuring cup), combine buttermilk with lemon zest and juice. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.Step 3With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.Step 4With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three parts alternately with the buttermilk mixture in two, beginning and ending with flour; beat just until smooth (do not overmix).Step 5Divide batter evenly between pans; smooth tops. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes (tent with foil if browning too quickly). Cool 15 minutes in pan. Turn out cakes onto a rack; cool completely before glazing.Step 6To make glaze: Place confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup; stir in lemon juice (glaze should be thick, yet pourable). Add more sugar or lemon juice, as necessary, to achieve desired consistency.Step 7Set rack with cakes over a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Pour glaze over cakes, letting it run down the sides; let dry, about 30 minutes.
