
All-purpose flour, for dusting
4 cups cake flour, divided
2 tablespoons poppy seed, divided
4 teaspoons baking powder, divided
2 teaspoons lemon zest, divided
1½ teaspoons baking soda, divided
1½ teaspoons salt, divided
large eggs, at room temperature; divided
2⅔ cups granulated sugar, divided
1½ cups vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons vanilla, divided
2 tablespoons lemon extract, divided
1½ cups lowfat buttermilk, divided
1 recipe Vanilla Buttercream
Additional poppy seed, for garnish
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
6 cups powdered sugar, divided
5 tablespoons milk, plus additional if needed
2 tablespoons vanilla
¾ teaspoon salt