Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 package (3 ounces) lemon gelatin
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup thawed lemonade concentrate
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • Fresh raspberries, optional

Method

  • For lemon curd, in a heavy saucepan, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in the lemon juice, butter and lemon zest. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until mixture is thickened and reaches 160°. Cool for 10 minutes. Cover and chill for 1-1/2 hours or until thickened.
  • For cake, preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, cream beat butter, oil and 1-1/2 cups sugar until blended, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in gelatin mixture, lemon juice, lemon zest and extracts. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
  • Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine lemonade concentrate and remaining sugar. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Poke holes in warm cakes with a fork; pour lemonade mixture over cakes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla; beat until blended.
  • To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 6 tablespoons raspberry jam. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread about 1/2 cup lemon curd over top of cake (save remaining curd for another use).
  • Spread frosting over sides of cake and pipe a shell border along the top and bottom edges. Garnish with raspberries if desired. Chill 1 hour.