Description
This vibrant three-layer citrus cake features distinct lemon, orange, and lime layers for a beautiful rainbow effect. Finished with a luscious lemon custard filling and orange cream frosting, it is a nostalgic and refreshing centerpiece for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Yellow food coloring
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- Orange food coloring
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- Green food coloring
- 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; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and white sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the creamed base, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls; stir the lemon zest and yellow coloring into the first, orange zest and orange coloring into the second, and lime zest and green coloring into the third.
- Pour each colored batter into its prepared pan and bake for approximately 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 by placing the yellow layer on a plate, topping with lemon custard filling, adding the orange layer and more filling, then the green layer; frost the top and sides with orange cream frosting and refrigerate for one hour.
Notes
To ensure the most vibrant flavor, zest your citrus fruits directly into the batter bowls to capture the essential oils that spray out during the process. Always ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting to prevent the shortening from curdling and to achieve a perfectly smooth batter consistency.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American