Lemon cake

Corina's Lemon Cream Cake: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

If you've ever dreamed of a cake that combines the light texture of layers with a refined lemon cream, then you've come to the right place! This captivating recipe, inspired by a genuine friendship, is perfect for savoring during special moments or simply to indulge your taste buds. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 9 minutes per layer
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the layers:
- 3 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons of oil (a neutral oil, such as sunflower oil)
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of milk (you can use whole milk for a richer texture)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 400 g of flour (make sure to use good quality flour)
- 1 vanilla essence
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)

For the cream:
- 1 liter of milk
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 cube of butter (choose high-quality butter)
- Zest and juice of one large lemon (organic lemons are the best)
- 1 vanilla essence
- Powdered sugar for decoration

The History of Corina's Cake

This cake has a special charm, inspired by the tasty memories of childhood when sweets were made with love and patience. The lemon cream, with its subtle acidity, perfectly complements the sweetness of the layers, creating a contrast of textures and flavors. It's the kind of recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a smile to the face, reminding us of moments spent with loved ones.

Step by Step: Your Culinary Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and gently mix them with a fork.
2. Add the 8 tablespoons of oil and mix well. The oil will help achieve a soft and elastic texture.
3. Incorporate the 8 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix.
4. Add the 8 tablespoons of milk and mix until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
5. Sift 400 g of flour and baking soda into the previous mixture, mixing constantly. You may need a little extra milk – if the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon at a time until you reach a soft and sticky consistency.
6. Finally, add the vanilla essence and lemon zest, mixing again.

Step 2: Baking the Layers

1. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out each portion on a sheet of parchment paper to obtain thin layers.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the layers on baking trays and bake for 8-9 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. It’s important not to leave them too long, as they can dry out.
3. After baking, let the layers cool completely on a rack.

Step 3: The Delicious Cream

1. In a saucepan, add 1 liter of cold milk, lemon zest, and 5 tablespoons of flour, whisking to avoid lumps.
2. Add the egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla essence, mixing well.
3. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and stir constantly until the cream begins to thicken. This step is essential, so be patient and don’t rush!
4. When the cream has thickened, add the cube of butter and stir until it melts. Let the cream boil for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Once the cream is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming. When warm, add the lemon juice, mixing well.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Take the first layer of cake and spread a generous portion of cream on its surface.
2. Continue alternating between layers and cream, ensuring that the last layer remains uncovered.
3. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place a heavy object on top to give it an even shape. Let it chill, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serving

1. After the cake has chilled, cut it into squares or slices, as preferred.
2. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.
3. You can serve it alongside a cup of tea or strong coffee to contrast with the sweetness and acidity of the cake.

Tips and Tricks

- Flavor variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace lemon with orange or lime for a different flavor.
- For a fluffier cake: Make sure not to overbake the layers and let them cool on a rack to avoid becoming soggy.
- Powdered sugar: Use it just before serving to avoid moisture absorption.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains simple and natural ingredients, with a moderate caloric intake. The cake layer is rich in carbohydrates, while the lemon cream provides a boost of vitamin C and calcium from the milk. Therefore, in moderation, this cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use almond or soy milk, but keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will change slightly.

2. How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for 3-4 days.

3. What can I do with leftover cream?
If you have leftover cream, you can use it as a filling for pancakes or tartines.

4. Can this cake be frozen?
Although it's recommended to serve the cake fresh, you can freeze the uncut layers and cream separately. When you want to serve it, thaw and assemble.

This cake is not just a recipe, but an experience that will transport you to the past, bringing sweet memories and unforgettable moments. So get ready to try it and share the joy with your loved ones!