Daffodil Cake

Daffodil Cake

(published in March 2009 Everyday with Rachael Ray under the title "Raspberry-Lemon Meringue Cake")

3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup milk

zest of 2 lemons plus 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

4 large eggs plus 3 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 11-ounce jar lemon curd

1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen raspberries

Preheat the oven to 350. Butter 2 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk, lemon zest and lemon juice.

Using a mixer, beat the butter with 2 c. confectioners' sugar on medium speed until fluffy, 2 minutes. Add the whole eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, mix in half the flour mixture, then the milk mixture, then the remaining flour mixture.

Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake until springy to the touch, about 25 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and let cool completely.

Clean the mixer. Beat the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and the egg whites. Place over a saucepan of barely simmering water and cook, whisking, until the confectioners' sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture is cool, 7 -1 0 minutes.

Peel the paper off 1 cake layer and place bottom side down on a cake plate. Spread one-third of the lemon curd on the cake and arrange the berries on top. Drizzle the remaining curd evenly over the berries. Peel the paper off the remaining cake layer and place upside down on the filling. Top the cake with the meringue.

Preheat the broiler to high. Broil the cake just utnil the meringue peaks are golden, about 2 minutes. (Or use a hand-held blow torch).

Option: Skip the meringue and top with whipped cream.