Description
This vibrant three-layer citrus cake brings together the bright flavors of lemon, orange, and lime in one beautiful dessert. With a tender crumb and zesty fillings, it is an easy yet impressive bake perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Shortening
- White sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Lemon zest
- Orange zest
- Lime zest
- Yellow food coloring
- Orange food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon custard filling
- Orange cream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the batter into three separate bowls and stir the specific zest and food coloring (lemon/yellow, orange/orange, lime/green) into each.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cake by spreading lemon custard filling between layers and coating the exterior with orange cream frosting.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to create a perfectly smooth emulsion in the batter. When zesting, avoid the bitter white pith to keep the citrus flavor bright and sweet.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American