Luscious Lemonade Layer Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon rind, grated
• 3 tablespoons lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups fat-free buttermilk
• cooking spray

Frosting

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh lemon rind
• 2 teaspoons lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   To prepare cake: Place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes).

3. 3

   Add eggs and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. 4

   Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; stir will with a whisk.

5. 5

   Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with four mixture; beat well after each addition.

6. 6

   Cut a circle of parchment paper for bottom of 2 (9-inch) round cake pans and spray sides with cooking spray.

7. 7

   Divide batter between pans.

8. 8

   Sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles.

9. 9

   Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

10. 10

    Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans.

11. 11

    Cool completely on wire rack.

12. 12

    To prepare frosting: Place 2 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy.

13. 13

    Add powdered sugar and beat at low speed just until blended (do not over beat).

14. 14

    Chill 1 hour.

15. 15

    Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting.

16. 16

    Top with remaining cake layer.

17. 17

    Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.

18. 18

    Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator.