Rosemary-Lemon Custard Cakes
Overview
Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with these Rosemary-Lemon Custard Cakes. This exquisite dessert is a beloved treat that combines a light, airy cake-like top with a rich, creamy pudding-like base. Adapted from a cherished recipe found in Cooking Light Magazine, these custard cakes are a perfect way to showcase the bright and zesty flavors of lemon, balanced with the subtle earthiness of dried rosemary. Ideal for serving at dinner parties or enjoying on a quiet afternoon, this dessert is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 45 minutes |
Total Time | 55 minutes |
Servings | 6 |
Recipe Category | Dessert |
Keywords | Citrus, Fruit, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven |
Aggregated Rating | 5/5 |
Review Count | 7 |
Calories per Serving | 213.7 |
Fat Content | 6.3g |
Saturated Fat Content | 3.4g |
Cholesterol Content | 116.3mg |
Sodium Content | 121.1mg |
Carbohydrate Content | 33.8g |
Fiber Content | 0.2g |
Sugar Content | 25.4g |
Protein Content | 6.2g |
Ingredients
To prepare these delightful Rosemary-Lemon Custard Cakes, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Sugar | 3/4 cup (plus 1/4 cup for egg whites) |
Butter | 1/4 cup (softened) |
All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
Lemon | 1 (zested) |
Lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Skim milk | 1 cup |
Egg whites | 3 (large) |
Egg yolks | 2 (large) |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Rosemary-Lemon Custard Cakes, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures:
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Prepare the Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer set to medium-high speed to beat the egg whites until they become foamy. This initial step is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that characterizes the cakes.
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Incorporate Sugar Gradually: Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar, incorporating it one tablespoon at a time into the egg whites while continuing to beat. After each addition, ensure that the mixture is well blended. Continue beating until stiff peaks form; this will create a stable meringue that provides structure to the dessert.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the softened butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for approximately 5 minutes, or until it is well blended and light in color.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the flour, dried rosemary, and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until everything is fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Mix in the Egg Yolks and Milk: Add the egg yolks and skim milk to the mixture, beating well to create a smooth batter. The addition of milk will help keep the cakes moist while baking.
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Combine Egg Whites and Batter: To lighten the batter, stir in 1/4 of the beaten egg whites into the mixture. This step helps incorporate air and should be done gently. After that, carefully fold in the remaining egg white mixture, ensuring not to deflate it. The goal is to maintain as much volume as possible.
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Prepare Custard Cups: Coat six custard cups (each holding about 6 ounces) with nonstick cooking spray. This will help the cakes release easily after baking.
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Fill the Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared custard cups. Then, place the cups in a shallow baking pan. Pour hot water into the baking pan around the cups until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. This water bath will create a gentle cooking environment, ensuring the cakes bake evenly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the custard cakes for 45 minutes, or until they are set in the center. To check for doneness, gently shake the cups; the custards should be firm but not overly jiggly.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the cups from the pan and allow them to cool slightly before serving. The cakes can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them versatile for any occasion.
Conclusion
These Rosemary-Lemon Custard Cakes encapsulate a perfect blend of flavors, where the tangy brightness of lemon harmonizes beautifully with the aromatic notes of rosemary, resulting in a dessert that is not only satisfying but also sophisticated. With a cooking time of just under an hour and straightforward preparation steps, you can create an impressive dessert that will leave your guests enchanted and eager for seconds. Enjoy the delightful contrasts of textures and flavors as you indulge in this culinary gem, perfect for any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself.
By embracing the fresh and uplifting qualities of citrus, this recipe shines as a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire, promising satisfaction with each creamy, cake-like bite.