Grease and line three 9" cake pans or equivalent. 

Whip the egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form (meringue).

While the meringue is being mixed, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir in the oil, water, and lemon juice until a thick batter forms.

Gently fold the meringue into the batter. Do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, filling approximately 2/3 to the top of the pan. Gently tap the filled pans against the counter to settle the batter evenly.

Bake at 325°F for 25-35 minutes (check for doneness -- the cake should be pale yellow with just a hint of golden brown on top. A toothpick should come out clean. 

Cool the layers in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack. 

Once the layers are cooled, wrap each layer in plastic and chill it in the fridge for four hours or overnight.

Prepare the strawberry syrup and filling. 

Toss the strawberries in sugar until evenly coated. Cover and rest for at least 30 minutes.

Squeeze fresh juice from 2-3 oranges (alternately: pour the equivalent amount of Grand Marnier). 

When the strawberries have successfully macerated (they should be floating in sugary liquid), strain the liquid and set it aside. Cover the strawberries and refrigerate.

Whisk the strawberry syrup and orange juice (or Grand Marnier). Cover and refrigerate until cake assembly.

Whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, corn starch, and salt in a heatproof mixing bowl. 

Heat the milk and heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering (do not boil). 

Temper the mixture in the bowl with the hot milk before combining in the saucepan and cooking until thick. 

Stir in the butter one slice at a time until integrated. 

Cool the pastry cream to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap (make sure to press the wrap against the surface of the pastry cream so that it is not exposed to air) and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours (overnight is fine, but no longer than two days).

Cleveland Cassata Cake

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