Lemon cake

Lemon Cake Dedicated to a Beloved Father

In life, there are special moments that deserve to be celebrated with all the love and warmth of our hearts. Today, I invite you to prepare a delicious lemon cake, perfect for celebrating a special occasion, such as a dear father's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad! May each year bring you joy, health, and happy moments with your loved ones.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Number of servings: 10

Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 226 g butter (about 1 cup)
- 200 g sugar (about 1 cup)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one large lemon
- 260 g flour (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 60 ml lemon juice

For the Lemon Cream:
- 5 eggs
- Zest and juice of one large lemon
- 150 g sugar
- 1 cup of whipped cream (about 250 ml)
- 1 package of butter (about 200 g)
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g flour
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

For the Glaze:
- 2 small cups of powdered sugar
- A few tablespoons of lemon juice
- Whipped cream for decoration
- A large chocolate coin for decoration

Recipe History
Lemon cake is a common recipe found in many kitchens, with deep roots in family cooking traditions. It is said that lemon, with its acidity and fresh aroma, has been used for centuries to add a special flavor to desserts. This recipe is not just a simple cake, but a symbol of love and family bonds, perfect for honoring a father and bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature to achieve a perfectly fluffy cake.

2. Prepare the cake pan: Grease a cake pan with oil and place a baking sheet at the bottom. This step will prevent the cake from sticking and will make it easier to remove after baking.

3. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend them for about 3 minutes, until you achieve a light and airy foam. This is the secret to a fluffy cake!

4. Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.

5. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the lemon juice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it's done using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfect.

7. Cool the cake: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a rack.

Preparing the Lemon Cream

1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat and add the vanilla. Heat until just below boiling.

2. Mix the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and flour. Gradually add half of the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.

3. Cook the cream: Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the milk and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens and reaches a creamy consistency.

4. Finish the cream: Once the cream has thickened, add the cubed butter and mix well. Finally, incorporate the lemon juice and zest. Let the cream cool.

5. Whip the cream: When the cream is completely cool, add the whipped cream and gently fold until combined.

Assembling the Cake

1. Slice the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, cut it in half evenly.

2. Fill the cake: Place the first half of the cake on a serving platter, add a generous layer of lemon cream, and cover with the second half of the cake.

3. Glaze: Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a fluid consistency. Pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides.

4. Decorate: Garnish the cake with whipped cream on the edges and sprinkle a chocolate coin on top for an elegant look.

Practical Tips
- Choosing lemons: Opt for fresh lemons with smooth, shiny skin. They have a more intense flavor, and the natural aroma will significantly enhance the cake.
- Various variations: You can experiment with other flavors, such as oranges or limes, to create a variation of the cake recipe. Additionally, adding fresh fruits between layers of cream can bring extra freshness.
- Serving: The cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet would add a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Benefits
This lemon cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Additionally, eggs and milk provide essential proteins, while butter adds healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use salted butter? Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level in the recipe.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 2 days.
- Is it possible to use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will slightly alter the texture of the cake, making it denser.

I encourage you to try this lemon cake recipe, filled with love and beautiful memories. May each slice bring you joy and smiles, just as it did for my father on his special day. Happy Birthday, Dad!