Glazed Citrus Cake

Delicious Winter Cake - A Perfect Recipe for a Citrus-Flavored Dessert

Welcome to the fascinating world of baking, where every ingredient blends flavor and emotion! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a delicious winter cake, a perfect treat for the holidays and beyond. With a vibrant mix of citrus and a smooth glaze, this cake is sure to become the star of your table. Get ready to explore each step and create a culinary masterpiece!

Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 1 lime (zest and juice)
- 1 orange (zest and juice, preferably organic)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice, preferably organic)
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 175 g butter
- 300 g sugar
- 8 eggs
- Vanilla (to taste)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 250 g flour
- A pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Vanilla (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Choose fresh, preferably organic, citrus fruits for a more intense flavor and pure aroma. If you have a fine grater, use it to zest the citrus, being careful not to grate the white part, which is bitter.

2. Melting the butter: Place the butter in a small saucepan and let it melt over low heat. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then set it aside.

3. Preparing the cake mixture:
- In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Using a spoon or whisk, beat the yolks for a few minutes until creamy.
- Add the melted and cooled butter, then 100 ml of heavy cream, and the juice and zest of the lime, orange, and lemon. Mix well.
- Sift the flour along with the baking powder over the yolk mixture and integrate the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the sugar. This is the key step to achieving a fluffy cake.

5. Folding in the egg whites: Using a spatula, gently fold the egg white foam into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the air in the egg whites. This step will ensure the cake's fluffy texture.

6. Baking: Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour in the mixture and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 60 minutes or until a tester (toothpick) comes out clean.

7. Cooling the cake: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not cut the cake while it is warm, as it may crumble.

8. Preparing the glaze: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice and heavy cream. Add vanilla to taste. Mix well until you obtain a smooth glaze.

9. Decorating the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drizzle gently down the sides. You can garnish with lime or orange zest for a vibrant look.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This delicious winter cake is perfect served alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. The citrus flavors pair wonderfully with a warm beverage, adding extra comfort and flavor. You can also try it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Useful Tips

- Ingredient temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture.
- Flour: Sifting the flour is essential to incorporate air, contributing to a fluffier texture.
- Chocolate variation: If you want a more decadent version, add dark chocolate chunks to the mixture before baking the cake.
- Diverse citrus: Experiment with different combinations of citrus, such as grapefruit or tangerine, for unique flavors.

Nutritional Information

This cake contains a combination of nutrient-rich ingredients, such as vitamin C from citrus, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from butter. Each serving offers approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the slice size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary.
- How can I store the cake? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, but no more than 3-4 days. It can be frozen for longer storage.
- How do I know when it’s done? Do the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

I conclude with an invitation to try this wonderful recipe. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this delicious winter cake will bring joy and warmth to your home. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!