Glazed lemon cake

Glazed Lemon Cake Recipe - A Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Introduction

Welcome to the flavorful and refreshing world of cakes! Today, I invite you to prepare a delicious Glazed Lemon Cake, a cake that perfectly combines sweetness with citrus acidity, offering a refreshing taste experience. This recipe is very simple, even for beginners, and is ideal for any occasion, from brunches with friends to festive meals. I will share with you not only the necessary steps to achieve a perfect result but also some tips, tricks, and combinations that will enrich your culinary experience.

A Brief History of Lemon Cake

Lemon cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being appreciated for centuries for its fresh taste and invigorating aroma. Lemon has been used as an ingredient in desserts due to its ability to add a note of acidity that balances sweetness. From simple cakes to elaborate tortes, lemon continues to be a favorite ingredient in kitchens around the world.

Ingredients

*For the batter:*
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 150 g margarine or butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)

*For the glaze:*
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by letting the margarine or butter soften at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture for the cake. Wash the lemon well, as you will use both the zest and the juice.

2. Grating and juicing: Using a fine grater, grate the lemon zest. Make sure not to touch the white part, as it can add a bitter taste. Then, squeeze the juice from the lemon, being careful to remove the seeds.

3. Preparing the pan: Grease a loaf pan with margarine or butter and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensure easy removal after baking.

4. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Proper preheating is crucial for achieving an evenly baked cake.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and powdered sugar. This step will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.

6. Beating the mixture: Add the eggs, lemon juice and zest, as well as the margarine to the dry ingredients mixture. Using a mixer, beat on high speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

7. Pouring the mixture into the pan: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Make sure it is evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for about 15 minutes. After this interval, use a knife to make a shallow cut down the center of the cake, about 1 cm deep. This will allow steam to escape and prevent excessive cracking.

9. Finishing baking: Continue baking for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is different, so it’s good to check constantly.

10. Cooling: Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely. This step is important to avoid condensation and to keep the cake fluffy.

11. Preparing the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the cornstarch. Add the lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons of hot water, stirring until you achieve a consistency similar to sour cream. Adjust with water if necessary.

12. Glazing the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, use a knife to spread the glaze evenly over its surface. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Glazed Lemon Cake is perfect served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. Try adding some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, next to a slice of cake for a delicious contrast. Additionally, vanilla ice cream can add an extra creaminess and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Absolutely! Butter will provide a richer flavor and a finer texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can the recipe be adapted to be gluten-free?
Yes, replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free baking flour.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins. Lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Additionally, the powdered sugar added in moderation is a quick source of energy. When served alongside fresh fruits, the cake becomes a more balanced snack.

Personalized Variation

If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding some chopped nuts or almonds to the mixture for extra crunch. You can also replace the lemon with orange or grapefruit for a different and interesting flavor.

With this Glazed Lemon Cake recipe, you are about to impress your family and friends with a dessert that not only looks good but also offers an explosion of flavors. So embrace the citrus flavor and let’s bake together!