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Moisty Citrus Party Cake

Moisty Citrus Party Cake

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bring some sunshine to the table with this Moisty Citrus Party Cake, a soft and fluffy layered dessert bursting with orange and lemon flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for spring parties, birthday dessert tables, brunch spreads, and holiday celebrations, giving you one of those bright food ideas that works as an easy dessert, party cake, sweet treat, and fun baking recipe all in one.


Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 teaspoons lemon zest

3/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup sour cream

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon orange zest for frosting

1 teaspoon lemon zest for frosting

2 tablespoons orange cake crumbs or extra zest for garnish

mint leaves for garnish, optional

decorative paper straws, optional


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Mix in the orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

6. In a separate bowl, stir together the orange juice, milk, and sour cream until smooth.

7. Add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the butter mixture in alternating additions, mixing just until combined.

8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, orange zest, and lemon zest until fluffy and spreadable.

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top.

12. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.

13. Garnish with orange cake crumbs, extra zest, mint leaves, or decorative straws if desired.

14. Chill for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.


Notes

Use room temperature butter, eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream for a smoother batter and frosting.

Do not overmix once the flour is added, or the cake can turn dense instead of light and tender.

For the cleanest slices, chill the frosted cake briefly before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 465
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: moisty citrus party cake, citrus cake, orange cake, lemon cake, party cake, easy dessert, spring dessert, layered cake, birthday cake, brunch dessert, food ideas