In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, water, oil, vanilla, and lemon zest. Whisk well to combine.
3. Step
Sift the flour and baking powder into a separate medium bowl. Add ¾ cup (150 grams) of sugar and salt and whisk to combine.
4. Step
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk well.
5. Step
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric hand mixer until foamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until soft peaks form and the egg whites are glossy.
6. Step
Pour the egg yolk batter into the egg whites and fold to combine with a spatula.
7. Step
Divide the batter between 2 ungreased 8.5-inch (21 cm) round cake pans (not greasing will help the chiffon cakes rise).
8. Step
Bake for 40-50 minutes, then increase the temperature to 350˚F (180˚C) and bake for 10-15 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean.
9. Step
While the cakes are baking, make the buttercream frosting: combine the butter and about half of the sugar in a large bowl and cream with a hand mixer until combined. Add the rest of the sugar and beat to incorporate. With the mixer running, slowly add the evaporated milk and beat until smooth.
10. Step
Remove the cakes from the oven and cool the cake upside down. Once cool to the touch, sliding an offset spatula around the edges to release the cakes from the pans.
11. Step
Cut off the tops of the cakes so the surfaces are flat and smooth.
12. Step
Set 1 cake on a cake platter or serving dish. Spread buttercream over the top of the cake with an offset spatula and sprinkle with some seasonal fruit. Cover the fruit with buttercream.
13. Step
Place the other cake on top. Spread buttercream over the top, keeping the sides exposed, and decorate with seasonal fruit and edible flowers.
