Lemon Cake Recipe – A Sweet and Tangy Delight
When it comes to indulgent desserts that captivate the senses, this Lemon Cake stands out as a refreshing and flavorful treat. Ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to create this delightful lemony masterpiece.
Ingredients for Lemon Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 120g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 120g |
| Butter | 250g |
| Granulated sugar | 250g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Lemon juice | 75g |
| Lemon zest | 2 lemons |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Instructions for Preparing the Lemon Cake
This lemon cake is not only easy to make, but it also promises to deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a freshly baked, soft, and zesty cake in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture
To start, take the softened butter and cut it into cubes. Transfer the butter cubes into a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachments (if you don’t have a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer works just as well). Begin by mixing the butter on low speed, gradually adding half of the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolks
Now, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. With the stand mixer still running, add one egg yolk at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Allow each egg yolk to fully incorporate into the mixture before adding the next one. Continue until all the egg yolks are well combined into the batter. This step is crucial to ensure the cake’s rich, smooth texture. Next, add the freshly grated zest of two lemons to the mixture for an aromatic burst of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one spoonful at a time, while the mixer is on a low setting. This will help the dry ingredients integrate smoothly into the batter without causing clumps. Once all the dry ingredients are added, mix until the batter is well-combined and smooth.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Whites
Clean your stand mixer or use a different bowl to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. As you begin to beat the egg whites, gradually add the remaining sugar to help stabilize the meringue. This will give the cake its light, airy texture.
Step 5: Fold the Meringue into the Batter
Once the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks, gently fold them into the lemony batter. Begin by adding two ladles of meringue at a time, carefully incorporating it to maintain the airy texture. Be gentle with this step, as folding preserves the lightness of the meringue and ensures a soft, fluffy cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 22-24 cm round cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a serving plate to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with a generous amount of powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and elegance.
Serving and Enjoying Your Lemon Cake
This cake is perfect for a delightful afternoon tea, a birthday celebration, or any special occasion. The tangy lemon flavor combined with the airy, moist texture creates a memorable dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Let the cake sit for a few minutes after dusting with powdered sugar, allowing the flavors to settle and the sweetness to balance perfectly with the tartness of the lemon. Serve with a hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of lemonade for the ultimate experience.
Tips and Variations
- Lemon lovers: For an extra lemony kick, you can increase the lemon juice to 100g and add an extra zest of one lemon.
- Make it vegan: To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs.
- Add-ins: For a delightful twist, you can fold in some poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and flavor.
This Lemon Cake is the perfect way to brighten up your dessert table with its vibrant flavor and soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a casual treat, this cake is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!
