Lemon-Ricotta Layer Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte® cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, optional
• Gel food coloring of choice, optional
• 1 teaspoon almond extract, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon luster dust, optional