Description
This vibrant citrus-infused layer cake features three distinct layers of lemon, orange, and lime, creating a stunning rainbow effect. With its tender crumb and bright, natural fruit flavors, it is the ultimate Southern-style celebration dessert for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Yellow, orange, and green gel food coloring
- Lemon custard filling
- Orange cream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees 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 to remove lumps and aerate the mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening and white sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour; mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter equally into three separate bowls.
- Fold lemon zest and yellow food coloring into the first bowl, orange zest and orange coloring into the second, and lime zest and green coloring into the third.
- Pour each flavored batter into a prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the layers in their pans for 5 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the cake by stacking the layers with lemon custard filling in between and covering the exterior with orange cream frosting.
Notes
To ensure the most vibrant flavor profile, always use a microplane to zest your citrus, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. If your cake layers tend to dome during baking, try using damp cake strips around the pans to encourage an even rise for easier stacking.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American