Light Lemon Cake with Creamy Frosting - Yummy Gusto

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest from 1 lemon (just the thin yellow outer layer)
• 3 cups cake flour (or use all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs, at room temp
• 2 tsp lemon flavor paste (optional)
• 1 cup tart buttermilk
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 full cup soft unsalted butter
• 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted clear of clumps
• A small drop of yellow gel coloring (optional)
• 6-8 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup crunchy poppy seeds
• Paper-thin slices of lemon
• Fresh mint sprigs