Decadent Lemon Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare Lemon Filling. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
2. 2
   Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. 3
   Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1 3/4 cups sugar, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.
4. 4
   Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of egg whites into batter. Gently fold in remaining beaten egg whites just until blended. (Do not overmix.)
5. 5
   Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.
6. 6
   Bake at 350° for 18 to 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
7. 7
   Spread 3/4 cup White Chocolate Frosting between each cake layer; carefully spread 1/2 cup Lemon Filling over White Chocolate Frosting between each cake layer. Spread remaining White Chocolate Frosting on top and sides of cake. Chill until ready to serve. Store in refrigerator.