Lemon cream cake

Lemon Cream Cake: A Delicacy for Celebrations

The lemon cream cake is one of those desserts that combines flavor and elegance in a unique way. With a fluffy base and a velvety cream, it is perfect for celebrating special moments in our lives. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or simply an occasion to indulge ourselves, this cake is the ideal choice. In this detailed guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare this delicious dessert, providing you with some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the Lemon Cream Cake

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 240 g sugar
- 240 g flour
- A pinch of salt

For the lemon cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 140 g sugar
- 250 g butter (soft)
- Juice from one large lemon
- Juice from one large orange
- Grated zest of lemon and orange (finely grated)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- 500 g cooking cream
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Jellies or candies for decoration
- Fruit jam (optional)

Preparing the Lemon Cream

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, as it will incorporate more easily into the cream.

2. Mix the egg yolks: In a small bowl, add the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and grated lemon and orange zest. Gently mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon, being careful not to use a mixer, as metal can oxidize the ingredients.

3. Cook the cream: Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water level does not touch the bowl. Quickly stir the mixture with the wooden spoon, focusing on the bottom of the bowl, for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes like a thin cream.

4. Cool the cream: Remove the bowl from the heat and add the vanilla sugar. Place the cream in another bowl with cold water and stir until it reaches finger temperature. This step is crucial to prevent the butter from melting.

5. Add the butter: Incorporate the soft butter into the egg cream, stirring in a circular motion. The more you beat, the fluffier the cream will become. Once you achieve a creamy texture, refrigerate the cream.

Preparing the Base

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt for 20-25 minutes, until the mixture becomes white and sticky. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy base.

2. Incorporate the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it to the egg mixture, little by little. Use a spatula to gently mix, with circular movements from top to bottom, so as not to lose the air in the mixture.

3. Bake the base: Pour the mixture into the prepared pans, leveling with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for about 30 minutes. Important: do not open the oven during baking, and once done, let the base cool in the oven.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cut the base: Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into three equal layers.

2. Fill with cream: Spread the lemon cream on the first two layers, then place the last layer on top.

3. Decorate with whipped cream: Whip the cooking cream until it thickens, add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing for another 2-3 minutes. Use a piping bag to decorate the cake with whipped cream.

4. Final decorations: Add jellies or candies for a vibrant look and sweet taste. You can serve the cake with a topping of jam to add a fruity note.

Serving and Suggestions

The lemon cream cake is served cold, and the combination of lemon and orange gives it a refreshing taste, perfect for warm days. You can enjoy it alongside a cup of fruit tea or a glass of homemade lemonade.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also a source of protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter. The lemon and orange provide a boost of vitamin C, beneficial for immunity. However, consumption should be moderate, considering the sugar content.

Possible Variations

To add a personal twist to the recipe, you can experiment with flavors like lavender or vanilla, or you can replace some of the butter with mascarpone for a richer cream. You can also use other citrus fruits, such as limes or grapefruits, for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use free-range eggs?
Yes, free-range eggs can add a richer flavor and a brighter color to the bases.

2. How can I prevent the base from sinking?
Make sure not to open the oven during baking and let the base cool gradually in the oven.

3. Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! The cake will taste even better the next day, as the flavors will meld together.

Certainly, the lemon cream cake will become a favorite recipe in your home. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy the cooking process, and, most importantly, treat yourself to a delicious slice of cake alongside your loved ones. Bon appétit!