Citrus Velvet Delight

🍊 Citrus Velvet Delight Cake 🍋

Servings: 12-16 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2-3 drops yellow food coloring (optional for a “velvet” look)

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For the Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest.
6. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine lemon juice, orange juice, and buttermilk.
7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
8. Optional: Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the “velvet” appearance.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and smooth the tops.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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2. Make the Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add a splash of milk if you want a thinner consistency.

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3. Assemble and Decorate

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
3. Garnish with extra lemon and orange zest curls or candied citrus slices if desired.
4. Chill for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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Tips & Variations

• Swap lemon and orange for lime and grapefruit for a twist.
• Add a thin layer of lemon curd between the layers for extra citrus punch.
• For cupcakes, bake 18-20 minutes at 350°F.