Soft sponge layers, lemon curd, and edible flowers celebrate spring in a delightful, aromatic dessert centerpiece.
# Components:
→ Sponge Cake
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Lemon Curd
10 - 3 large eggs
11 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
14 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
→ Decoration
15 - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
16 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 20–30 pressed edible flowers (pansies, violets, nasturtiums, or organic rose petals)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
04 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
05 - In a heatproof bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Place bowl over simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat; whisk in butter until fully incorporated. Let curd cool completely.
06 - Whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
07 - Position one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with lemon curd. Place the second cake layer on top.
08 - Gently cover top and sides with whipped cream, using an offset spatula.
09 - Arrange pressed edible flowers over the frosted surface. Press lightly to secure.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set decorations before slicing and serving.
