Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened1-2/3 cups sugar4 large eggs, room temperature1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1-1/2 teaspoons each grated lemon, orange and lime zest2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour3 teaspoons baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt1 cup 2% milkFILLING:1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup cornstarch1/4 teaspoon salt3/4 cup water2 large egg yolks2 tablespoons butter1/3 cup lemon juiceFROSTING:1/2 cup butter, softened3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar1/4 cup light corn syrup3 tablespoons orange juice1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon grated orange zestDash salt3 drops yellow food coloring1 drop red food coloringAssorted lollipops, unwrapped
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom of a greased 15x10x1-in. jelly-roll pan with parchment; grease paper.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and citrus zest. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack; remove paper. Cool completely.
For filling, in a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in water. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter. Gently stir in lemon juice. Press plastic wrap onto surface of filling; cool slightly. Refrigerate until cold.
For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Beat in confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, orange juice, vanilla, orange zest and salt until smooth. Tint orange with yellow and red food coloring.
Trim edges of cake; cut crosswise into thirds. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with frosting. Insert lollipops in top for flowers. Refrigerate leftovers.
