Ingredients
2 packages (16 ounces each) Betty Crocker pound cake mix4 large eggs, room temperature2/3 cup water2/3 cup thawed lemonade concentrate1/2 cup butter, softened2 teaspoons grated lemon zestCANDY:1 cup light corn syrup2/3 cup sugar1-1/2 teaspoons lemon extract1/8 teaspoon yellow food coloringLEMON FILLING:2/3 cup heavy whipping cream6 ounces cream cheese, softened2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar1/4 cup lemon curd2 teaspoons grated lemon zestCREAM CHEESE FROSTING:2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1/4 cup butter, softened1/4 cup lemon curd2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon salt6 cups confectioners’ sugarYellow edible glitter
Preparation
In a large bowl, beat the cake mixes, eggs, water, lemonade concentrate, butter and lemon zest. Transfer to 3 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
Meanwhile, line 3 greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans with parchment; set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals. Uncover and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
Remove from the heat; stir in lemon extract and food coloring (keep face away from mixture as flavoring is very strong). Immediately pour into prepared pans forming small zigzag shapes. Let cool completely.
For filling, beat cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form; set aside. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar, lemon curd and lemon peel. Fold in whipped cream.
Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup filling. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, lemon curd, vanilla and salt until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Frost top and sides of cake. Break candy into shards; insert into frosting forming rays of sunlight. Sprinkle cake with edible glitter. Refrigerate leftovers.
