Lemon cake

Lemon Cake - a citrus delicacy that combines the freshness of lemon with the fluffy and moist texture of the cake. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a weekend dessert or a sweet snack during the day. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, and in the end, you will have a delicious, aromatic cake that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 eggs
- 50 g butter
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, especially the eggs, to achieve an even texture. It is recommended to use a fresh lemon, as the essential oils in the zest will provide a more intense flavor.

2. In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and add the sugar and flour. Mix well to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to stir constantly. It is essential not to let the mixture boil without stirring, as the flour will stick to the bottom of the saucepan.

3. Once the mixture begins to thicken, add the lemon zest (left in large pieces) and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes a thick cream. The lemon aroma will infuse the milk, giving the cake a refined taste.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

5. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the cooled milk mixture, stirring continuously. Here, you can also add the juice of one lemon, which will enhance the cake's flavor.

6. Melt the butter and add it to the mixture, mixing well. Pour the obtained batter into a greased baking pan or lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you want a crunchier crust, leave the cake in the oven for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to dry it out.

8. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

9. To serve, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cake. This will not only look elegant but will also add a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon. The cake can be enjoyed plain or accompanied by a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes, to vary the flavors.
- If you want a fluffier cake, try separating the eggs, beating the egg whites until frothy, and folding them into the mixture at the end.
- Another delicious variation is adding poppy seeds to the batter for extra texture and an appealing look.

This lemon cake is not only a quick and easy dessert to make but also an excellent way to enjoy the fresh flavors of citrus. Enjoy every slice!