Imagine a cake that bursts with sunshine in every single bite - a Lemon Orange Layer Cake that promises to transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This isn't just another cake; it's a vibrant symphony of citrusy flavors that will dance on your taste buds and transport you to a refreshing, tangy paradise. Whether you're hosting a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a dessert that screams freshness, this recipe is your golden ticket to becoming a baking superstar.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice. Mix gently to distribute the citrus flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting or decorating.
- Optional: Prepare a citrus glaze or cream cheese frosting to complement the cake's bright flavors. Allow the cake to cool entirely before applying any frosting.
Tips
- • Room temperature ingredients are key: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture. • Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender. • Zest your citrus fruits before juicing for maximum flavor extraction. • Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to guarantee consistent results. • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding. • For an extra flavor boost, consider brushing the cake layers with a light citrus simple syrup before frosting. • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
