Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. I like using parchment paper on the bottom to ensure the cakes slide out without a hitch. This step takes mere minutes but guarantees success.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and sea salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. It should look like sunshine! Next, whisk in the oil and Greek yogurt until smooth. Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Then pour in the lemon juice; the batter should be silky and fragrant.

Evenly divide the batter among the three pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The heavenly smell will fill your kitchen, and you might even do a little dance.

While the cakes cool, let’s whip up the lemon curd. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, butter, sugar, and lemon zest over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remember, patience is key here; it should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s done, strain it to remove any lumps and allow it to cool. This is where the magic happens!

In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and superfine sugar. Whisk them together over a pot of simmering water until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and using a mixer, beat until the mixture cools and forms stiff peaks. Gradually add the softened butter, mixing on high speed. Incorporate the lemon curd and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. You may want to taste it, just to ensure it’s perfect (wink).

Now comes the fun part! Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of lemon curd on top, then top with a generous layer of buttercream. Repeat this for the second layer, then finally add the third layer on top. Spread the remaining buttercream around the sides and over the top. Don’t worry about perfection; a little rustic charm never hurt anyone!

Optionally, garnish your masterpiece with fresh lemon slices or zest. Place the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the layers to set, making it easier to slice. The anticipation builds!