Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake: A Delicacy with a Citrus Flavor and Delicate Texture

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-48 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings

There are moments in life when a dessert is not just a simple sweet treat, but a true story, a symbol of kindness and joy. The Lemon Cake is one of those recipes that masterfully blends fresh lemon flavors with a creamy layer, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to a casual gathering with friends over a cup of tea. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step.

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the layers:*
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons margarine (or butter, if you prefer)
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 600 g flour (plus extra for rolling)

*For the cream:*
- 900 ml milk
- 10 tablespoons flour
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- Juice from 2 lemons (approximately 100 ml)
- 250 g butter (or Rama margarine)

*For the syrup:*
- 100-150 ml warm water
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

*For the dark glaze:*
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 7 tablespoons liquid cream

*For the white glaze:*
- 50 g white chocolate
- 2 tablespoons liquid cream

Preparation Technique:

1. Preparing the layers:
Start by beating the eggs with the powdered sugar in a large bowl using a whisk or mixer. Next, add the melted margarine, mixing well. In a separate container, dissolve the baking soda in a little warm milk and add it to the mixture.

Gradually add the warm milk and flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes smooth. Here’s the trick: when the dough is firm enough, transfer it to a floured work surface and knead until it easily detaches from your hands. Divide the dough into four equal parts.

2. Baking the layers:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Grease the bottom of a baking tray with a little oil. Take a piece of dough, roll it out with a rolling pin, and place it in the tray. Bake the layer for 10-12 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Repeat the process with the other pieces of dough, placing each baked layer on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a saucepan, combine the 10 tablespoons of flour, 10 tablespoons of sugar, lemon juice, and cold milk. Mix well, ensuring there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Add the butter or margarine and mix until smooth.

4. Assembling the cake:
On a platter, place the first layer and soak it with a mixture of warm water, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence using a brush. Spread some of the prepared cream on top. Repeat the process for the remaining layers, alternating cream and syrup. The last layer will only be soaked.

5. The glaze:
To create the glaze, melt the dark chocolate with the liquid cream over a double boiler. Once melted, pour the glaze over the last layer, smoothing it with a knife. Prepare the white glaze by melting the white chocolate with the liquid cream, then place it in a bag and cut a corner to drizzle over the dark glaze. Use a toothpick to create a beautiful pattern by dragging from one end to the other.

6. Refrigeration:
The Lemon Cake should be left in the refrigerator overnight to allow the creams to set and the layers to soften. This waiting time is essential to achieve that perfect creamy and slightly moist texture.

Nutritional Benefits:
The Lemon Cake is not only a delight for the taste buds but can also offer certain nutritional benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and butter or margarine provides a source of healthy fats. Of course, moderation is key, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Calories:
A serving of Lemon Cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s a wonderful choice for an occasional treat.

Possible Variations:
If you want to add a touch of originality to your cake, you can incorporate additional flavors into the cream, such as almond or orange essence. Also, for a crunchy note, sprinkle some ground nuts or almonds between the layers of cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a richer taste, but the texture of the cake will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Is lemon necessary?
Lemon is essential for providing that fresh and tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as oranges.

4. What can I serve the cake with?
The Lemon Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade. I also recommend serving it with vanilla ice cream for a delicious temperature contrast.

A Unique Detail:
For a personal touch, you can add a few thin slices of candied lemon on top of the cake for an elegant look and an intense citrus flavor.

I wish you great success in preparing this delicious cake! Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the Lemon Cake will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!