Lemon cake

Lemon Cake - An explosion of freshness in a delicious slice

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Have you ever thought about how much a lemon can change a dessert? This lemon cake recipe is perfect proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable culinary experience. With a fluffy texture and fresh taste, this cake is ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack at any time of the day. Moreover, lemon not only adds flavor but also comes with nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamin C.

Our ingredients:

- 5 eggs (ideally at room temperature for better whipping)
- 1 cup of sugar (preferably fine sugar, for easy dissolving)
- 1 cup of flour (choose type 000 flour for a finer result)
- 1/2 cup of oil (sunflower oil is a good choice, but you can also use olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- 1 large lemon (for juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (make sure it's fresh for a fluffy cake)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure that there are no traces of yolk in the whites, as they won’t whip well if contaminated with fat.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Place the egg whites in a large bowl and begin beating them with a mixer on medium speed. Once they become frothy, gradually add the sugar and continue beating until you achieve a stiff, glossy foam.

3. Preparing the yolk mayonnaise: In another bowl, add the yolks and oil. Mix well with a whisk or mixer until you obtain a smooth, mayonnaise-like consistency. This will add a rich texture to the cake. Finally, add the grated lemon zest and mix.

4. Combining the mixtures: With a spatula, gradually add the yolk mixture over the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the foam. Use gentle folding motions from the bottom up to maintain the air in the mixture.

5. Adding dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder directly into our mixture. This will help avoid lumps. Gently mix until no traces of flour remain.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with a little oil and sprinkle flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the pan in the oven. It is very important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes, otherwise the cake will not rise evenly.

8. Toothpick test: After about 40-45 minutes, check if the cake is baked. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:

Dust the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant look and add a few slices of fresh lemon on the plate for an extra touch of freshness. You can also add raisins or nuts to the mixture for an interesting texture and a more complex flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This lemon cake recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving, providing a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the oil. The lemon brings an important intake of vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Possible variations:

If you want to innovate, you can add 100g of buttermilk instead of oil for a moister cake. You can also replace lemon with oranges or limes, giving your dessert a different note.

Personal story:

For me, this lemon cake was the first recipe I learned from my grandmother. I remember how I used to stand in the kitchen, with the smell of lemon and sugar filling the air, while she told me how this simple dessert can bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be different, denser. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. How can I store the cake?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

With this lemon cake recipe, not only will you impress with flavor, but you will also bring a piece of your memories into every slice. Try it, and you will see how simple and delicious it can be!