Ingredients
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3 large eggs
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1/3 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup water
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1 (15.25 oz) box strawberry cake mix
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4 lemons, divided
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1 1/2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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4 cups confectioners' sugar
Steps
1
Using the eggs, oil, and water, prepare the cake mix according to package directions for 2 (8-inch) cake rounds. Cool completely on wire rack.
2
Meanwhile, from 2 lemons, grate 1 tbsp zest and squeeze 3 tbsp juice. In a large bowl, with hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until very smooth.
3
Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until well combined and fluffy. Beat in lemon zest and juice.
4
Cut each cooled cake layer into 2 layers for a total of 4 layers. Arrange 1 layer on cake plate. Spread 1 cup frosting on top. Repeat with 3 more layers. Spread remaining frosting on outside of cake, using bench scraper or side of large icing spatula to even out and let sides peek through frosting. Thinly slice the 2 remaining lemons. Decorate cake with lemon slices.
Tips
Garnish with some fresh strawberries for another pop of spring flavor.