Bake the Lemon Cake
Prep: Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Line three 15cm (6-inch) cake pans with parchment.
Dry Mix: Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Wet Ingredients: Beat butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Combine: Alternate adding dry mix and buttermilk/lemon juice, mixing just until smooth.
Bake: Divide batter evenly; bake 30 minutes until golden. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prep Fillings
Strawberry Compote: Cook and cool completely.
Buttercream & Chantilly: Prepare per linked recipes.
Assemble the Cake
Level Layers: Trim domes if needed. Place first layer on a turntable.
Fill: Pipe a buttercream dam, then fill with compote and Lemon Chantilly. Repeat layers.
Crumb Coat: Frost sides thinly; chill 2 hours (or freeze 30 minutes).
Glaze & Decorate
Make Glaze: Melt chocolate with cream over a double boiler. Stir in lemon curd and food coloring; cool to 30°C (86°F).
Pour: Over chilled cake, allowing drips. Decorate with buttercream swirls and lemon slices.
Set: Rest at room temp 20–30 minutes before slicing.