Orange Grove Cake

Directions

1. 1

   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 orange juice and zest. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
2. 2

   Transfer to 2 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. 3

   For filling, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in orange juice and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat.
4. 4

   Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat; gently stir in the lemon juice, orange zest and salt. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. 5

   For syrup, in a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water and orange juice to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Remove from the heat; stir in extract. Cool.
6. 6

   For frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients; beat until smooth.
7. 7

   Cut each cake horizontally into 2 layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; brush with 2 tablespoons syrup and spread with 1/3 cup filling. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer; brush with remaining syrup. Frost top and sides of cake.