Lemon balm

Delicious Lemon Cake Recipe: a refined and aromatic dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Servings: 8

The Lemon Cake is a refined dessert with a creamy texture and a fresh lemon flavor, perfectly blending sweetness and acidity. The origins of this dessert are shrouded in mystery, but it has undoubtedly been cherished over time for its simplicity and flavor. Today, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect Lemon Cake that will impress both family and friends.

Ingredients

For the 4 layers:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 10 tablespoons of warm milk
- 10 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 300g, but depends on the humidity of the ingredients)

For the cream:
- 300g of soft, fatty butter (ideally over 80% fat)
- 400ml of milk
- 7 tablespoons of starch
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Juice of one lemon (approximately 50ml)
- Half a vial of lemon essence

Preparation

1. Preparing the layers
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This will contribute to the fluffy texture of your layers.

2. Adding wet ingredients
Add the warm milk and oil to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix gently until well combined. It is important for the milk to be warm to avoid cooking the eggs.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients
Start adding the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, mixing with a spatula or by hand. The flour should be incorporated gradually until you obtain a soft yet elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Baking the layers
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll out each portion on the back of a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming thin layers. Bake each layer for 8 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Be careful, the layers bake quickly, so keep an eye on them!

5. Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, add the milk, starch, and sugar. Continuously stir with a whisk over medium heat until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the butter from melting in the next step.

6. Mixing the butter
In another bowl, mix the soft butter until creamy. Gradually add a tablespoon of the cooled starch cream, mixing well after each addition. At this point, add the essence and lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

7. Assembling the Lemon Cake
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the first layer with some milk, then spread a generous layer of cream. Repeat the process for the other layers, ensuring each layer is well covered.

8. Preparing the meringue
Whip the egg whites until foamy, as for meringue. Gradually add the sugar and lemon essence. Place the bowl over a double boiler and continuously stir with a spatula until the mixture becomes sticky and shiny. Spread the meringue on the last layer while it is still warm to avoid rapid drying.

9. Optional decoration
If desired, you can sprinkle grated lemon or orange zest over the meringue for added flavor and a more attractive appearance.

Serving and suggestions

Let the Lemon Cake cool thoroughly before cutting it into portions. It is perfect for serving at a party or as a dessert after a family dinner. It can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant herbal tea, which will perfectly complement the dessert's flavors.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation to achieve a uniform consistency.
- You can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or orange essence, to adapt the dessert to your preferences.
- If you don't have starch, you can use flour, but the texture will be slightly different.

Nutritional information

This Lemon Cake recipe has approximately 350 calories per serving, due to the butter and sugar content. However, lemons provide a boost of vitamin C, and butter offers healthy fats essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the butter with a vegan ingredient?
Yes, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter to adapt the recipe to a vegan diet.

2. How can I make the Lemon Cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and meringue can help achieve a less sweet taste.

3. Can I prepare the Lemon Cake in advance?
Yes, the Lemon Cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient dessert for events.

4. What other desserts can I try?
If you like the Lemon Cake, I recommend trying the lemon tart or lemon cheesecake recipe, both offering an explosion of fresh flavors.

Feel free to share the recipe with friends and family to bring a little joy from making this delicious dessert. Cooking is an art, and the Lemon Cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create unforgettable moments. Enjoy every bite!