OMBRE CITRUS LAYER CAKE

This moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender Ombre Citrus Layer Cake is bursting with layers of bright summer citrus flavor. This cake mix cake tastes like a fancy bakery cake from the addition of sour cream, pudding, and Jello. Topped with luscious buttercream and lemon, lime, and orange slices, this Citrus Cake is perfect for spring!

OMBRE CITRUS LAYER CAKE

The saying ‘we eat with our eyes first’ really is true. This cake could have the same flavors but all yellow and it wouldn’t be nearly as appealing. As well, the citrus slices on top give a hint of what’s inside even before it’s cut. 

Whenever you can garnish or make food prettier, do it. Don’t underestimate taking that small extra step to garnish.

This cake comes together with just a few simple ingredients. It makes a spectacular showpiece if you’re entertaining. It’s great for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Graduation Parties. However, don’t just reserve this cake for special occasions, it’ll turn any day into a sunny celebration!

What is the texture of this cake?

The cake is tender and adding Jello makes it slightly dense while still maintaining a soft texture. 

INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR CITRUS CAKE

• Cake Mix.
• Egg whites. From large eggs or equivalent.
• Vegetable oil. You can also use canola oil.
• Milk. 
• Sour Cream. You can use buttermilk, plain yogurt, or plain Greek yogurt.
• Vanilla pudding mix. (Don’t make the pudding, you’ll just use the mix. As well, you can omit the pudding, however, the cake may not be as moist.)
• Lemon, lime, and orange Jello. Jello can be omitted completely and 1 tsp of each extract can be used instead. Food coloring would be highly advised if this substitution is made.
• Powdered sugar.
• Butter.
• Pure Vanilla.
• Salt. 

METHOD FOR MAKING CITRUS LAYER CAKE

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of three 9” cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray or Wilton cake release.

Add all of the cake ingredients to a large mixing bowl except for the Jello and food coloring. Whisk together until combined. Divide the batter into three separate bowls. Add the lime Jello to one bowl, the lemon Jello to another, and the orange Jello to the remaining bowl. Mix only until the jello is incorporated.

Pour the batter into each of the cake pans, keeping them separate.

Place the pans into the oven to bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting. Add all the frosting ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat together on high speed for 2 minutes or until smooth, fluffy, and lighter in color.

Once the cakes have cooled completely, remove the lime layer from the pan and place it onto a cake stand. Use an offset or rubber spatula to spread about ¾ cup frosting over the surface of the cake. Remove the orange layer from the pan and place it directly onto the top of the lime layer, ensuring that all edges meet. Spread about ¾ cup frosting over the surface of the cake. Remove the lemon cake layer from the pan and place it directly on the orange layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake using the remaining frosting. 

DON’T FORGET TO GARNISH!

For added visual interest and easy decorating, after the sides have been frosted, gently drag the offset spatula upwards on the side of the cake to make lines. Optionally, layer slices of fresh orange, lemon, and lime onto the top of the cake. Slice and serve.

TIPS FOR CITRUS CAKE SUCCESS

Do not overmix this cake batter as it will become stiff and tough with over mixing.

If the frosting is too thick, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If the frosting becomes too thin, add in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and mix until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage: Cake may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

While you’re here, check out these recipes

1. Citrus Pound Cake
2. Orange Creamsicle Pound Cake
3. Scratch-made Orange Zest Pound Cake
4. Sweet & Sour Citrus Salad
5. Orange Bundt Cake
6. Orange curd