Best 8 Sunshine Layer Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the Sunshine Layer Cake, a delightful confection that captures the vibrant spirit of a sun-kissed day. This multi-layered masterpiece features alternating golden layers of moist vanilla sponge cake and tangy lemon cake, each boasting a tender crumb and a burst of flavor. Sandwiched between these layers is a velvety smooth lemon cream cheese frosting, complemented by a luscious layer of homemade lemon curd, adding a burst of citrusy tang to every bite. The cake is adorned with vibrant yellow buttercream frosting, creating a cheerful sun-like appearance, and topped with delicate edible flowers and citrus zest for an elegant touch. This recipe also includes a foolproof method for making the perfect vanilla buttercream frosting, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency every time.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

SUNSHINE CAKE



Sunshine Cake image

This family-favorite recipe delivers a simple tea-time cake with the bright, sunshine-y flavors of lemon and vanilla.

Provided by Helga

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Sponge Cake Recipes

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 eggs
1 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons boiling water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Separate eggs. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together three times.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat yolks until lemon colored. mix in sugar a little at a time. Stir in the lemon extract, vanilla extract and boiling water until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture just until moistened. Whip the egg whites to soft peaks, and fold into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 inch tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven, and invert the pan over a bottle. Cool and remove from pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.4 g, Cholesterol 66.4 mg, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 160.7 mg, Sugar 14.5 g

ORANGE SUNSHINE CAKE



Orange Sunshine Cake image

Orange cake with pineapple frosting - perfect for spring!

Provided by PERRAULT46

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Orange Dessert Recipes

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 eggs
2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons orange extract
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Steps:

  • Combine cake mix, eggs, 1 package of pudding, vegetable oil, orange extract, and mandarin oranges and beat well for about 3 minutes.
  • Bake in 3 - 9 inch greased and floured round cake pans for 20-25 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven.
  • To Make Frosting: Fold pudding and pineapple into whipped topping and frost cake. Keep refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.3 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Cholesterol 21 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 183.5 mg, Sugar 14.7 g

SUNNY ORANGE LAYER CAKE



Sunny Orange Layer Cake image

If you like orange flavor, you'll love this made-from-scratch orange cake recipe. No one will ever believe that you use gelatin as the secret ingredient in both the cake and the frosting.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2/3 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2-1/2 cups cake flour
1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup orange juice
1/3 cup 2% milk
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons orange gelatin powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in orange zest. Combine the flour, gelatin, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with orange juice and milk, beating well after each addition., Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, gelatin powder and vanilla until blended. , Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with frosting. Top with remaining cake layer; frost top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 23g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 370mg sodium, Carbohydrate 63g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6g protein.

SUNSHINE LAYER CAKE



Sunshine Layer Cake image

This is a great variation on the traditional rum cake! It is rich and smooth with deep citrus flavor. And the flavored buttercream frosting is an added treat!

Provided by Jade Graves

Categories     Fruit Desserts

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 small box of instant lemon pudding
4 eggs
1/2 c cold water
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 c light rum
1/2 c butter flavor shortening
1/2 c unsalted butter
1 tsp orange extract
4 c confectioner's sugar (sifted)
2 Tbsp evaporated milk
3 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 thin sliced orange/lemon (garnish)

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2. Grease & flour 2 8" cake pans.
  • 3. Mix together: cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, oil and rum.
  • 4. Pour batter into pans and bake for 55 - 60 minutes.
  • 5. On medium speed, cream shortening, butter and sugar together.
  • 6. Add orange extract.
  • 7. Gradually add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time until all the sugar has been incorporated.
  • 8. Slowly begin to add milk and corn syrup.
  • 9. On high speed, beat until fluffy.
  • 10. Refrigerate frosting until cakes have cooled, crumbs have been dusted off and the cake is ready to frost.
  • 11. Garnish cake with thin slices of oranges/lemons!

SUNSHINE CITRUS CAKE



Sunshine Citrus Cake image

This sunshine citrus cake cures the cold weather blues with bright flavor, a light and springy cake crumb, and creamy whipped frosting. Be sure to set aside enough time to prepare the lemon curd in advance.

Provided by Sally

Categories     Dessert

Time 5h20m

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 large egg yolks
1 large egg
2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons citrus zest (combination of lemon, orange, and lime or other, see note)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
1/3 cup (80ml) freshly squeezed citrus juice (combination of lemon, orange, and lime or other, see note)
6 ounces (170g) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature (not cream cheese spread)
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners' sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (very cold!)
optional: sliced citrus fruits or citrus twists to garnish

Steps:

  • Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1-2 inches of water. (Or use the DIY double boiler method listed in the notes.) Place on high heat. Once the water begins to boil, reduce to low heat to keep the water at a simmer. Place egg yolks, egg, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt into the top pot of your double boiler. Using a silicone whisk (avoid metal because it leaves an aftertaste), whisk until completely blended and then continue to whisk as the curd cooks. Whisk and cook until the mixture becomes thick and is the consistency of hollandaise sauce or a really thick soup, about 10 minutes or when an instant read thermometer reaches 160°F (71°C). If curd isn't thickening, turn up the heat and constantly whisk. Remove pan from heat. Cut the butter into 6 separate pieces and then whisk into the curd until butter has melted and combined. Pour curd into a jar or bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top so it is touching the top of the curd. This prevents a skin from forming on top. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Place in refrigerator to speed up cooling. Once cool, the plastic wrap can be removed. Refrigerate the curd for up to about 10 days or for longer storage, you can freeze the cooled curd for up to 3-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. Makes 1 heaping cup.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 6×2 inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the small cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
  • Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula and then add the citrus zest. Beat on medium-high speed until combined and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine. Add half of the flour mixture (just eyeball it), half of the milk, and half of the citrus juice. Beat on low speed until mostly combined, and then add the remaining flour mixture, milk, and citrus juice. Beat on low speed until combined. Do not over-mix. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no large lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick with some small lumps. You will have between 3.5 - 4 cups of batter.
  • Divide and pour batter evenly into cake pans. If batter appears to have bubbles, give the pans a light tap on the counter to pop them. Bake cakes for 18-21 minutes or until baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Remove cakes from the pans and set them on a wire rack to cool completely. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
  • In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, and then beat on medium speed until combined and completely smooth (absolutely no lumps), at least 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to smooth out. Switch to a whisk attachment (if you haven't already been using it). Turn the mixer to low speed and with the mixer running, carefully pour in the cream in a slow and steady stream. After all of the cream has been added, turn the mixer up to high speed and whip until thick and stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes. Do not walk away during this time and do not be concerned if your frosting takes longer to whip. You're looking for a thick, airy consistency with stiff peaks. If your frosting appears soupy now or at any point you are working with it, it needs more whipping to introduce more air. If your frosting appears chunky or curdled, it's over-whipped. To fix, stir 1 Tablespoon of heavy cream into the frosting by hand to smooth out again. You will have about 3.5 cups of frosting.
  • Spoon 1 cup of frosting (about 240ml) into a separate bowl. Stir in 3 heaping Tablespoons of cooled lemon curd. This will be your filling for the cake. Enjoy remaining lemon curd drizzled on the cake slices or as a topping on other baked goods.
  • First, make sure you have enough room for the cake inside your refrigerator because it must chill at the end of this step and briefly in the next step as well. If the cake layers aren't flat on top, carefully and slowly level them off using a large serrated knife. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with 1/2 of the lemon curd frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer and evenly cover the top with remaining lemon curd frosting (if you have extras, just use it on the exterior of the cake). Top with the third cake layer. Spread a very thin layer of regular whipped frosting on top and all around the sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. A bench scraper and small icing spatula are handy for this. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • Add remaining frosting on chilled crumb-coated cake using a small icing spatula or a larger flat icing spatula. Use a bench scraper, if desired, to smooth out the sides. Refrigerate the decorated cake uncovered for at least 30 minutes to help set the frosting. After that, if you used a cake turntable, you can carefully transfer the cake to a cake stand or serving plate using a couple flat spatulas.
  • After 30 minutes in the refrigerator, the decorated cake is fine to slice and serve or sit out at room temperature for a few hours. Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for 5 days.

SUNSHINE CAKE



Sunshine Cake image

Even in its simplicity, there's something about this buttery almond cake that just feels special. Baking it in a pie dish allows for you to serve it straight out of the vessel, whether for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, accompanied by nothing but a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Provided by Sheela Prakash

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Almond     Quick & Easy     Small Plates

Yield 1 (9-inch) cake

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled, plus more for pan
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Pearl sugar (for sprinkling; optional)
Special equipment:
A 9-inch pie plate (not deep dish) or tart pan

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 9-inch pie plate.
  • Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, almond extract, and salt in a large bowl until frothy and pale, about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup flour and stir until incorporated. Pour into prepared pie plate. Top with almonds and pearl sugar, if using.
  • Bake cake until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool slightly before serving.
  • Do ahead:
  • Cake can be made 1 day ahead; store tightly wrapped at room temperature.

SUNSHINE SPONGE CAKE



Sunshine Sponge Cake image

This is one of my favorite cakes to make. I prepare it for company or a bake sales and it is a hit every time!-Helen Woronik, Salem, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

9 eggs, separated
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon minced fresh lemon verbena leaves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
LEMON BUTTER FROSTING:
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
Daisies and additional lemon verbena leaves, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until thickened and lemon-colored. Add water, lemon verbena and vanilla. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar. beat for 4-5 minutes or until mixture doubles in volume. Combine flour and baking powder; sprinkle 1/4 cupful over batter and fold in until combined. Repeat with remaining flour mixture; set aside. , In another bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter. Pour into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Bake until top springs back when lightly touched, 45-50 minutes. Immediately invert the pan; cool completely. Run a knife around sides of pan and remove cake to a serving plate. , In a bowl, cream 2 cups sugar, butter, lemon juice and extracts. Slowly add remaining sugar. If needed, beat in a small amount of water until the frosting reaches desired spreading consistency. Frost cake. Garnish with daisies and lemon verbena if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 148mg cholesterol, Sodium 184mg sodium, Carbohydrate 69g carbohydrate (57g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.

HAWAIIAN SUNSET CAKE



Hawaiian Sunset Cake image

This three-layer orange cake is pretty enough for company, but it's so simple to fix that you'll find yourself making it all the time. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the pineapple-coconut filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. -Kara De la vega, Suisun City, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package white or orange cake mix (regular size)
1-1/2 cups milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
4 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
FILLING:
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups sugar
3-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (about 10 ounces)
1 cup sour cream
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Additional coconut, toasted, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, sugar, 3-1/2 cups coconut and sour cream. Set aside 1 cup for frosting. Place one cake on a serving plate; top with a third of the remaining pineapple mixture. Repeat layers twice. , Fold whipped topping into the reserved pineapple mixture. Spread over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 calories, Fat 23g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 384mg sodium, Carbohydrate 80g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: When a recipe calls for room temperature ingredients, it's important to follow that instruction. Room temperature ingredients mix together more easily and evenly, resulting in a better final product.
  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make your cake tough and dense. Mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake Your Cake in a Preheated Oven: This will help ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
  • Let Your Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting It: This will help prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

The Sunshine Layer Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy layers, tangy lemon curd filling, and sweet and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll be able to make this cake with ease. So next time you're looking for a delicious and impressive cake to make, give the Sunshine Layer Cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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