Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

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Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. This cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making it perfect for summer gatherings or special celebrations. The creamy frosting adds a rich touch, while the garnishes of lemon slices and mint leaves make it look as good as it tastes.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake because it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the sweet and tangy taste of lemons in a beautiful layered presentation. It’s easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, baking this cake fills your home with a wonderful citrus aroma that will make everyone excited to taste it!

How to Make Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, vegetable oil, egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the egg white mixture into the lemon batter until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the additional lemon zest and vanilla extract.
9. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Repeat this with the remaining layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake.
10. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves before serving.

How to Serve Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

To serve Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake, cut it into generous slices and place them on individual plates. The light and fresh flavors are perfect for a sunny day or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. Pair it with a cup of tea or lemonade for a complete experience!

How to Store Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

Store any leftovers of your Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it by wrapping each layer in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake

• Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter when folding in the egg whites; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
• Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations

You can experiment by adding different flavors to your cake. For example, try adding a few drops of almond extract for a unique twist. You could also include berries, like raspberries or blueberries, between the layers for added color and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can work, but the texture may be slightly denser. Cake flour gives a lighter and fluffier result.

2. How can I ensure my cake layers are equal in size?
You can weigh the batter as you divide it among the pans or use a measuring cup to ensure each layer has the same amount of batter.

3. What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy making and sharing your Sunshine Lemon Layer Cake!

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