Best Lemon Torte Recipes

FROZEN STRAWBERRY LEMON MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• Make the meringue layers:
• Line 2 buttered baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and on them trace 3 circles using the bottom of an 8 1/2-inch springform pan as a guide. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks, add the sugar gradually, beating, and beat the whites until they hold stiff glossy peaks. Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip, beginning in the middle of each parchment circle pipe the meringue in a tight spiral to fill in each circle, and smooth the tops. Bake the meringues on 2 racks in a preheated 250°F. oven, switching the baking sheets from one rack to the other every 30 minutes, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are firm when touched and very pale golden. Remove the parchment with the meringue from the baking sheets, let the meringue cool on it, and peel off the parchment carefully. The meringue layers may be made 1 day in advance and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature. With a serrated knife trim the meringue layers so that they will just fit inside the 3 1/2-inch springform pan.
• Oil the pan, line it with plastic wrap, leaving on overhang, and arrange 1 of the meringue layers, smooth side down, in the bottom.
• Make the lemon filling
• In heavy saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. Whisk in the lemon juice, the sugar, the egg yolks, and zest and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it registers 170°F. on a candy thermometer. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir it occasionally until it is very thick but not set. In a bowl beat the cream until it holds soft peaks and fold it into the lemon mixture.
• Pour the lemon filling over the meringue layer in the springform pan, top it with 1 of the remaining meringue layers, and freeze the torte for 1 hour, or until the lemon filling is firm.
• Make the strawberry filling:
• In a heavy saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. In a food processor or blender purée the strawberries with the preserves and the sugar, whisk the purée and the egg yolks into the gelatin mixture, and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it registers 170°F. on a candy thermometer. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir it occasionally until it is very thick but not set. In a bowl beat the cream until it holds soft peaks and fold it into the strawberry mixture.
• Pour the strawberry filling over the meringue layer in the springform pan, top it with the remaining meringue layer, smooth side up, and fold the plastic wrap overhang over the top. Freeze the torte for 2 hours, or until it is frozen. The torte may be prepared up to this point 2 days in advance and dept wrapped well and frozen.
• Make the frosting:
• In a small saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the water, let it soften for 1 minute, and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved. In a bowl beat the heavy cram and the sour cream with the confectioners' sugar until the mixture just holds stiff peaks, add the gelatin mixture in a stream, beating, and beat the frosting until it holds stiff peaks.
• Remove the side of the pan and transfer the torte to a serving plate, discarding the plastic wrap. Spread a thin layer of the frosting on the top and side of the torte and freeze the torte for 10 minutes, or until the frosting is firm. Transfer the remaining frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip (such as a basket-weave tip), pipe it over the torte, and freeze the torte for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Let the torte stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving and garnish it with the strawberries.

LEMON TORTE

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add vanilla and cream of tartar; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff and glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. , Spread in a well-greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 300° for 1 hour. Cool on a wire rack. , Meanwhile, in the top of a double boiler, whisk egg yolks until lemon-colored. Add the lemon juice, zest and remaining sugar. Cook over hot but not boiling water, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a thermometer reads 160°. Cool to room temperature. , Spread half of whipped cream over meringue shell; cover with lemon mixture. Top with remaining whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate. Best made one day before serving.

FOUR-LAYER LEMON TORTE WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter springform pans with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 28 minutes. Cool cakes completely in pans on racks.
• Using small knife, cut around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Remove pan sides. Using serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on platter. Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting. Top with second cake layer, cut side up. Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting. Repeat with third cake layer. Top with fourth cake layer, cut side down. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Press almonds onto sides of cake. Chill until frosting sets, about 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)

LADYFINGER LEMON TORTE

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, combine egg yolks, 1-1/4 cups sugar, lemon juice and egg whites. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 8-10 minutes or until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat a metal spoon. Remove from heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon zest. Transfer to a bowl, press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Chill for 2-3 hours or until partially set., In a large bowl, beat cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold whipped cream into the cooled lemon mixture. , Arrange 24 ladyfingers around the edge of an ungreased 9-in. springform pan. Arrange 16 ladyfingers on bottom of pan. Spread with half the lemon mixture. Layer with remaining ladyfingers; top with remaining lemon mixture., Cover and freeze overnight. Remove from the freezer 5 minutes before cutting. Remove sides of the pan. Garnish with lemon slices and mint.

LEMON CREAM TORTE

Steps:

• Combine butter and flour; pat into a 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add half of the whipped topping, beating on low. Spread over crust. In another bowl, beat pudding mixes and milk for 2 minutes on low speed. Let set 10 minutes. Spread over cream cheese layer; let set 10-15 minutes. Cover with remaining whipped topping. Top with pecans if desired. Refrigerate overnight.

LEMON SCHAUM TORTE

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add vanilla and cream of tartar. Beat on medium spoon until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved., Spread meringue on the bottom and up the sides of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 275° for 1 hour. Turn oven off and let stand in oven for 1 hour. Do not open door. Remove from the oven; cool on wire rack. , In a large saucepan, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest and remaining sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Transfer to small bowl; cool., In a chilled bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread half over meringue; cover with lemon mixture. Top with remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate leftovers.

FROZEN LEMON MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• Trace 4 (8 inch) circles on parchment paper, cut out and put on baking sheets. Meringue: Combine 3/4 c sugar, cornstarch and zest; set aside. In a bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 3/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and fold in reserved sugar mixture. Spoon meringue on to circles, smoothing the tops. Bake at 300F for 1 hour or until golden> Let cool. Lemon Filling: In a saucepan over med/high, heat 1 1/4 c sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice, stirring until sugar dissolves. In a bowl, beat eggs; whisk in lemon mixture and return to saucepan. Cook, stirring, just until boiling; simmer for 1 minute. Pour into bow. Place plastic wrap directly on surface; cool in refrigerator to room temperature. (can be refrigerated for up to 1 day). Whip cream and fold into lemon mixture. Assembly: Crumble least-attractive meringue for garnish; set aside. Fit 1 meringue into 9-inch springform pan. Pour a third of lemon filling over top. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle crumbled meringue over top. Freeze for at least 8 hours. Can be frozen for up to 1 week well wrapped. Let soften in refrigerator for 45 min before serving.

LEMON SCHAUM TORTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 275°F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper or heavy brown paper. In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Beat in 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue beating until stiff peaks form and mixture is glossy. Do not underbeat. On cookie sheet, shape meringue into 9-inch round with back of spoon, building up side.
• Bake 1 hour 30 minutes. Turn off oven; leave meringue in oven with door closed 1 hour. Finish cooling at room temperature, about 2 hours.
• In 2-quart saucepan, mix 3/4 cup sugar, the cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir at least half of the hot mixture into egg yolks; stir back into hot mixture in saucepan. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat.
• Stir in butter, lemon peel and lemon juice. Press plastic wrap onto surface to keep it from drying out. Cool to room temperature. Spoon into meringue shell. Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
• In chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Spread over filling. Refrigerate until serving. Store in refrigerator.

FOUR LAYER LEMON TORTE WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• For Cake: Preheat oven to 350.
• Butter two 9-inch-diameter springform pans with 2 3/4-inch-high sides.
• Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl.
• Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Divide batter between prepared pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 28 minutes.
• Cool cakes completely in pans on racks.
• Using small knife, cut around sides of pans to loosen cakes.
• Remove pan sides.
• Using serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half.
• Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on platter.
• Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting.
• Top with second cake layer, cut side up.
• Spread with 1/4 cup preserves, then 3/4 cup frosting.
• Repeat with third cake layer.
• Top with fourth cake layer, cut side down.
• Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
• Press almonds onto sides of cake.
• Chill until frosting sets, about 2 hours.
• (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.) For frosting: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and curd in large bowl until smooth.
• Add remaining ingredients and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes.

ALMOND-LEMON TORTE WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush 10-inch-diameter springform pan with oil. Line bottom with parchment paper round. Brush paper with oil. Place 2 tablespoons matzo meal in pan and shake to coat; tap out excess.
• Combine remaining 2 tablespoons matzo meal, almond flour, and 1/3 cup sugar in medium bowl; whisk to blend. Place egg yolks in large bowl; place egg whites in another large bowl. Add 1/3 cup sugar to yolks. Using electric mixer, beat yolk mixture until thick and fluffy. Beat in 6 tablespoons olive oil, then lemon juice, orange juice, and lemon peel. Mix in dry ingredients. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to whites; using clean dry beaters, beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Fold whites into yolk mixture in 3 additions. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Sprinkle almonds over.
• Bake cake until golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Place pan on rack; cool cake completely in pan. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover cake pan with foil and let stand at room temperature.
• For sauce and berries:
• Combine 2 cups sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon sugar in processor; blend until smooth. Sweeten sauce with more sugar, if desired; transfer to small bowl. do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
• Cut around cake; release pan sides. Cut cake into wedges. Serve with sauce and remaining sliced strawberries.
• Sometimes labeled "ground almonds"; available at specialty foods stores and natural foods stores.

LEMON WHIPPED CREAM TORTE

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream butter, shortening and 1 cup sugar. Add lemon zest and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition; set aside. , Beat egg whites, gradually adding remaining sugar until soft peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold into the creamed mixture. Pour into three greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For filling, combine sugar and flour in a saucepan. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Gradually stir a little of the hot filling into the yolks; return all to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla and zest. Cover and cool. Fold in the cream. Spread between each layer and on top of cake. Cover and chill.

LEMON TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, almond meal, baking powder and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs one at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in lemon zest.
• Mix in 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by half of the lemon juice. Add another 1/3 of the flour mixture, then the rest of the lemon juice and the rest of the flour. Stir only until no streaks of flour remain and batter is uniform. Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool pan in cake for 15 minutes.
• While the cake cools, whisk all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour over cake, then let cake cool completely in pan.

FROZEN LEMON TORTE

Steps:

• Line bottom and sides of buttered 9" (22.5 cm) springform pan with ladyfingers.
• In top of double boiler, place 5 yolks and 2 whites. Beat together until smooth.
• Add lemon juice, rind and sugar, and beat lightly.
• Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Cool.
• Fold in cream, which has been whipped.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Freeze at least 5 hours.
• Beat remaining 3 whites with 4 tablespoons sugar until stiff. Spread on cake.
• Place under broiler briefly until lightly browned.
• Return to freezer.
• Remove one hour before serving.

LEMON ICE TORTE WITH STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SAUCE

Steps:

• For Crust:
• Combine almonds and sugar in processor and chop finely. Transfer to medium bowl. Combine margarine and cinnamon and mix into almonds. Transfer to 9-inch-diameter springform pan. Using plastic wrap as aid, press almond mixture firmly 2 inches up sides and then over bottom of pan. Freeze 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pan with crust on cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes. If crust sides slip, press back in place with back of fork. Transfer pan to rack and cool crust completely.
• Melt strawberry preserves in heavy small saucepan. Pour into cooled crust and spread to cover bottom. Cool. Soften ice very slightly and spread in pan. Freeze until firm. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and freeze.)
• For Sauce:
• Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add pod. Simmer 5 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and stir to dissolve. Add rhubarb. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rhubarb is tender, about 8 minutes. Add frozen strawberries and bring to simmer. Cool. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
• Remove vanilla pod from sauce. Cut between crust and pan sides with small sharp knife. Remove pan sides. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce over center of torte. Mound fresh strawberries in center. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs. Cut torte into slices and serve with sauce.

LEMON AND PISTACHIO PRALINE MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• FOR PRALINE:
• Oil large baking sheet. Stir sugar and water in heavy small saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan occasionally. Stir in pistachios. Immediately pour mixture onto prepared sheet. Cool praline completely.
• Finely chop praline. Grind 1/2 cup praline to powder in processor.
• FOR MERINGUES:
• Position 1 rack in center and 1 rack in top third of oven. Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Draw two 8-inch-diameter circles on 1 parchment sheet and 1 circle on second. Turn over parchment on baking sheets, marked side down. Using electric mixer, beat 5 egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar; beat until egg whites are stiff but not dry. Beat in almond extract. Stir powdered sugar and 1/2 cup praline powder in bowl to blend. Fold into meringue in 2 additions.
• Divide meringue among traced circles. Using spatula, spread mixture to edges. Bake until crisp and pale golden, reversing baking sheets after 45 minutes, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool meringues completely.
• FOR LEMON BUTTERCREAM:
• Stir white chocolate in top of double boiler set over simmering water until melted. Remove from over water; cool.
• Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 2 tablespoons sugar.
• Meanwhile, combine remaining 2/3 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons water and corn syrup in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until candy thermometer registers 238°F., brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Immediately pour hot syrup in thin steady stream into beaten egg whites, beating until mixture is completely cool, about 4 minutes. Beat in butter 2 tablespoons at a time. Beat in white chocolate, lemon juice, peel and vanilla. Chill until thickened to spreadable consistency, about 45 minutes or less (If frosting looks curdled, place bowl over saucepan of simmering water and whisk just until butter softens slightly. Remove from heat. Using electric mixer, beat buttercream until smooth. Repeat warming technique as necessary to create smooth buttercream.)
• Place 1 meringue layer on platter. Spread scant 1 cup buttercream evenly over. Top with another meringue layer. Spread scant 1 cup buttercream evenly over top and sides of torte. Press chopped praline onto sides and in 1-inch border along top edge of torte. Chill overnight. Let torte stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

LEMON-NUT TORTE WITH SUMMER BERRIES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°. Line an 8" or 9" springform pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. Combine 1/3 cup sugar and flours in a bowl. Whip 1/3 cup sugar and egg yolks in another bowl with an electric mixer about 5 minutes. Beat in zest, oil, lemon juice, and orange juice. Fold in dry ingredients. Beat egg whites and salt in a third bowl with an electric mixer until frothy. Beat in remaining 1/3 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of egg-white mixture into batter. Fold in remaining egg white mixture in two parts, mixing well. Pour batter into pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; cool. Invert pan, remove parchment, and turn cake right side up onto a plate. Topping: Combine honey, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Add berries; mix. Spoon topping on cake, dust with sugar, and slice into eighths.

LEMON CREAM CHEESE TORTE

Steps:

• Mix first 3 ingredients in a 9x13 pan.
• Press down and micro on high for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
• Cool.
• Dissolve jello in hot water and chill until slightly thickened.
• Cream sugar with cheese; add vanilla and jello; whip until well mixed.
• Whip the cold milk until thickened and add to jello mixture.
• Beat all ingredients with mixer until thick and smooth.
• Pour into prepared graham crust in the 9x13 pan.
• Refrigerate until set.
• Top with pie filling.

ALMOND MERINGUE TORTE WITH LEMON AND STRAWBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Position racks in top third and bottom third of oven and preheat to 300°F. Using 9-inch tart pan bottom as guide, trace a circle on each of 2 sheets of parchment paper. Place papers, marked side down, on baking sheets.
• Blend 1/4 cup sugar, whole almonds and cornstarch in processor until nuts are finely ground. {Step One} Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt in large bowl until soft peaks form. Add remaining 3/4 cup sugar by tablespoonfuls, beating until meringue is stiff and glossy. Fold almond mixture into meringue.
• {Step Two} Spoon meringue into large pastry bag fitted with 1/2-inch-diameter plain tip. {Step Three} Starting in center of 1 circle marked on parchment and holding tip just above paper, pipe meringue in continuous spiral to fill circle completely. Repeat with remaining circle and meringue, forming 2 rounds.
• Bake meringues until pale golden and just firm to touch, about 30 minutes, switching position of pans after 20 minutes. Cool on pans on racks.
• Combine sugar, egg whites and salt in large stainless steel bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water); whisk constantly until thermometer registers 135°F, about 5 minutes; remove from over water. Using electric mixer, beat until firm peaks form and mixture is completely cool, about 6 minutes. Beat in butter, 1 piece at a time. Gradually beat in lemon juice. (If buttercream appears curdled, place bowl over low heat for several seconds. Remove from heat; beat until smooth. Repeat warming and beating as necessary.) Whisk cream to firm peaks; whisk into buttercream.
• Peel parchment off meringues. Using 9-inch tart pan bottom as guide, trim meringues. Place dabs of buttercream on tart pan bottom; top with 1 meringue. Spread 3/4 cup buttercream over meringue; top with strawberry slices. Spread 3/4 cup buttercream over berry slices. Top with second meringue. Spread remaining buttercream over top and sides of torte. Press sliced almonds into buttercream. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before continuing.)
• Cut reserved whole strawberries into quarters. Arrange atop torte.

LEMON MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg yolks and milk. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. , In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in water until smooth. bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount into egg yolks; return all to pan. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add butter, lemon juice and zest; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Beat in cinnamon. Fold in almonds. Spread hot filling over crust. Spread topping over filling. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator.

LEMON BAVARIAN TORTE

Steps:

• Combine the flour, granulated sugar and baking soda with the dry cake mix.
• Add the wet ingredients called for on the cake mix box to the dry ingredients as directed.
• Add the water, oil and egg found in this recipe in addition to that on the cake mix box.
• I used 9 inch round cake pans.
• Bake cake as directed.
• It may be necessary to add 5 minutes to the baking time.
• Test for doneness as directed on the box.
• Cool completely.
• Split each layer in half.
• FILLING:.
• Cream confectioners sugar, vanilla, cream cheese, lemon extract, salt and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
• (A taste will tell you if it is lemony enough. If not to your liking add a bit more lemon extract).
• Fold in whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping.
• Put one layer on plate.
• Top with some of filling.
• Add next layer.
• Top with more filling.
• Add third layer.
• Top with more filling.
• Add top layer and spread the rest of the filling on top.
• Garnish with lemon zest.
• Refrigerate.