Step 1: Preparation

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Spray a loaf pan generously with baking spray and dust evenly with cake flour, removing any excess flour by tapping the pan.

Step 2: Grind Almonds

• Using a food processor, grind the almonds until very fine and powdery. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, finely ground almonds, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and 1 cup (200 grams) sugar.
• Beat on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Add Eggs

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Alternating between dry ingredients (flour mixture) and milk, add them to the butter-sugar mixture starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Incorporate in three batches of dry and two batches of milk.
• Beat the batter after each addition, scraping down sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 7: Add Lemon Flavor

• Mix lemon extract and zest from the two lemons into the batter. Stir until evenly combined. Note: The batter will be relatively thin.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

• Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface.
• Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Syrup

• While the cake bakes, combine the lemon juice from the two lemons and remaining ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (110 grams) sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir just until sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 10: Syrup Infusion and Rest Cake

• When the cake is baked and slightly cooled, slowly pour the lemon syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to fully absorb.
• Once syrup is fully absorbed, turn cake out of the loaf pan.
• Wrap cake in plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for at least 60 minutes, ideally overnight for a stronger lemon flavor.

Step 11: Serve

• Slice and serve at room temperature.