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Daffodil Cake with Lemon Buttercream

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This daffodil cake with lemon buttercream is a light and airy spring dessert with delicate marbled layers of egg whites and yolks, finished with a silky lemon buttercream frosting and optional floral decorations.

Ingredients

1 cup cake flour, sifted

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided

12 large eggs, separated (room temperature)

1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional decorations: edible daffodil flowers or fondant daffodils, fresh rosemary or mint sprigs, yellow sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an ungreased tube pan.
  2. Sift cake flour with half of the sugar and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  4. In another bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale. Stir in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest.
  5. Gently fold flour mixture into the egg whites in batches. Lightly fold in the beaten yolks to create a marbled effect.
  6. Spoon batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
  7. Invert pan immediately and cool upside down before removing cake.
  8. For buttercream: beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Once cake is completely cooled, frost with buttercream and decorate with daffodil flowers, herbs, or sanding sugar.

Notes

Use orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer citrus flavor.

Add lemon curd between layers for extra tang.

Substitute whipped cream frosting with lemon extract for a lighter option.

Tint the buttercream pale yellow and decorate with sugared edible flowers for a festive look.

Cool the cake upside down to prevent deflating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/daffodil-cake-with-lemon-buttercream/