Prepare the Pans and Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides. This ensures that the cakes don’t stick and come out clean.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. This step is important for creating the right texture in the cake.

Add the Eggs:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well mixed.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, combine milk and lemon juice, then slowly add this mixture to the batter, mixing until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.

Add the Flavors:

• Gently fold in the lemon zest and poppy seeds until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Cakes:

• Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans.
• Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on the cakes to prevent overbaking.

Let the Cakes Cool:

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This ensures they set properly.

How to Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until everything is fully incorporated. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

Level the Cake Layers:

• If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes to create even layers. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top. Add the second layer of cake and spread another 1 cup of frosting. Place the third layer on top, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate:

• You can decorate the cake with rosettes along the top edge, sprinkle some poppy seeds, and add lemon slices for a beautiful finish.

Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. It’s best served cool, but not too cold, to ensure the flavors and texture are at their best.