Sunset Citrus Bliss Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Citrus Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)
06 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - Zest of 1 orange
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - Zest of 1 lime
11 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
12 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - 1 cup buttermilk

→ Citrus Buttercream Frosting

16 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)
17 - 4 cups powdered sugar
18 - Zest of 1/2 orange
19 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
20 - Zest of 1/2 lime
21 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
22 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
23 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
24 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
25 - Pinch salt

→ Decoration

26 - Fresh citrus slices
27 - Edible flowers
28 - Candied citrus peel

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
04 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Add the orange, lemon, and lime zests, along with the vanilla extract.
05 - Stir in the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice until well combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
07 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the citrus zests, fresh juices, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream over the top. Place the second layer on top and spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
10 - Garnish with fresh citrus slices, edible flowers, and candied citrus peel as desired.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before beginning preparation.
02 - The cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.