BUTTERCREAM 2 TIER CAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 160C/fan and then Grease or line the cake tin
• In a bowl add the ingredients FOR ONE TIER one by one in the order stated above, mixing as you go.
• Once the mixture is smooth (airy with a few bubbles is ok) pour it into the lined cake tin.
• Put the cake into the preheated oven for 15 mins, then take out and turn the tin around and put back in for another 18 mins.
• To test if the cake is cooked insert a tooth pick into the dome of the cake, if it comes out clean the cake is ready.
• It should be golden brown on top!
• Leave the cake to cool for about ten minutes in the tin then transfer onto a cooling rack for another 10-15.
• Repeat steps 1-6 for the second cake tier.
• Whilst the cakes are cooling prepare the buttercream;
• using a whisk, whisk the butter ,adding the icing sugar slowly, then when you've added all the icing sugar whisk in the lemon juice and rind.
• When the cakes have each cooled use a pallet knife ~ or flat knife~ to spread HALF of the buttercream onto ONE cake.
• Then carefully place the other cake on top (BEWARE OF ANY BUTTERCREAM SEEPING OUT THE SIDES)
• Use the remaining buttercream for the top of the cake then decorate with icing sugar and raspberries(optional)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour three 9 by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
• Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.
• Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
• Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans. One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely.
• Frost the cake. Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans.
• In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)
• Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.