Lemon cake

Lemon Cake Recipe: A Citrusy Delight for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe, lemon cake is the perfect choice. This flavorful cake, with a fine texture and a refreshing citrus note, is sure to impress everyone. Whether you're making it for a celebration or just want to treat yourself, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest from one large lemon, grated

For the lemon cream:
- 200 g cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml fresh lemon juice
- Zest from one large lemon, grated

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to mix the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. Incorporate the grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt.

2. Integrating the flour:
Sift the flour over the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients until the dough becomes smooth. It should not be sticky; if necessary, you can add a little more flour.

3. Chilling the dough:
Dust the work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a circle about 5 mm thick. Fold the dough in half and transfer it to a buttered cake pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.

4. Preparing the lemon cream:
In another bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar. Mix until it becomes a creamy composition. Incorporate the eggs, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth cream.

5. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, using a fork, prick the bottom of the dough to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Pour the lemon cream over the cooled dough. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until the cream is firm and lightly browned at the edges.

6. Cooling and serving:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then transfer it to a serving plate. You can serve the cake plain or decorate it with a few lemon slices and powdered sugar for an elegant look. Add a flavor boost with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation. This will help better homogenize the composition.
- Vegan option: Replace the egg in the dough with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water. For the lemon cream, you can use blended soft tofu with lemon juice and maple syrup.
- You can also add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the cream for a creamier texture and a more intense flavor.

This lemon cake is more than just a simple dessert; it's a culinary experience full of freshness and flavor. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every slice!