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1
For the cake:
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans and set aside.
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3
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
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4
In another bowl, whisk sour cream, lemon zest, juice and vanilla extract. Set aside.
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5
Beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed in the bowl of a standing mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, continuing until blended.
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Reduce the speed to low and beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by half of the sour cream mixture. Repeat with another 1/3 of the flour mixture and the remaining sour cream mixture. Beat in the remaining flour mixture until just incorporated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pans and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack for about 10 minutes before inverting the cakes onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely.
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9
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a greased baking sheet. Spread the top of the cake with 1/4 cup lemon curd. Place another cake layer on top, and gently press down a little bit. Spread with the remaining lemon curd. Place the last layer of cake on top. Refrigerate until you are ready to frost and serve, preferably on the same day.
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10
For the frosting:
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In a large heatproof bowl, combine sugar and egg whites. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat on high speed until foamy for 1 minute. Set bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Beat on high speed until frosting forms stiff peaks, about 10 minutes.
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12
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and water and beat for another 2 minutes until frosting thickens.
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13
Preheat oven to 400 F. Smear the meringue frosting thickly on the top and sides of the cake. Use a small metal spatula to create swoops and peaks.
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Place cake in oven. Bake, watching carefully, until meringue is brown around edges and beginning to brown elsewhere. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving plate.
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15
Leave it at room temperature and serve the cake on the same day. Otherwise the frosting will become grainy.
