Perfect Party Cake

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE:

2 1/2 cups

cake flour

1 tbsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

1 1/4 cups

buttermilk

large egg whites

1 1/2 cups

granulated white sugar

2 tsp

freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 tsp

pure lemon extract

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM:

1 cup

granulated white sugar

large egg whites

1 1/2 cups

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup

freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)

1 tsp

vanilla extract

FOR FINISHING:

2/3 cup

seedless raspberry preserves, stirred vigorously until spreadable

fresh raspberries