Lemon cream cake

Lemon cream cake is a true delicacy that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the fine texture of pastry sheets. This recipe brings together tradition and refined taste, making it ideal for any special occasion or simply to indulge your family with a delicious dessert.

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the sheets:*
- 500 g flour
- 2 large eggs
- 150 ml milk
- 80 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons oil

*For the cream:*
- 1 l milk
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 10 tablespoons flour
- Juice from 1.5 lemons
- 3 eggs

Step by step for a perfect cake:

1. Preparing the pastry sheets:
In a large bowl, add the oil. It is important that the oil is at room temperature to mix well with the other ingredients. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The baking soda will help the sheets rise, so don’t skip it!

In another container, beat the eggs with a whisk and add them to the flour mixture. Mix well.

In a glass, combine the milk with the sugar and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Add this liquid mixture to the dough and knead well. If the dough is too sticky, feel free to add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so the sheets don't become too tough.

Once the dough is homogeneous, divide it into three equal parts. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1.5 hours. This step will make the sheets easier to roll out.

2. Baking the sheets:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into thin rectangles, the size of your baking tray. Place the sheets on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake them in turn for 10-12 minutes or until they turn slightly golden.

After baking, let the sheets cool completely.

3. Preparing the lemon cream:
In a bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and flour, mixing the dry ingredients well. Heat the milk in a saucepan, then gradually add it to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Put the mixture over medium heat and stir continuously. It is essential not to leave the cream unattended, as it can stick to the bottom of the pot. When the cream starts to thicken, add the lemon juice and the grated zest of one lemon, mixing well.

Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. After it has completely cooled, incorporate the margarine, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until it is homogeneous.

4. Assembling the cake:
Place the first sheet of dough on a platter, spreading a generous portion of cream over it. Repeat the process with the second and third sheets. Finally, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours (ideally overnight) for the cream to set well.

5. Serving:
When the cake is well chilled and the cream has set, cut it into portions and enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.

Useful tips:
- If you are passionate about variations, you can add a little vanilla extract to the lemon cream or replace the lemon with orange for a different flavor.
- Make sure the sheets are well baked, but not too dry to keep the cake’s texture moist.
- Use quality margarine or butter, as these influence the final taste of the cream.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the sheets will be different, and you may need more milk.
- How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator, covered to prevent drying out.

The lemon cream cake is a true indulgence, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process!