Lemon flavored cake

Lemon-flavored cake – a simple and fluffy delicacy

When it comes to desserts that complement a warm morning coffee or a relaxing afternoon, the lemon-flavored cake is certainly an inspired choice. Full of freshness and with a light texture, this cake is not just a recipe but a memory of beautiful times spent in grandma's kitchen. It is a versatile, simple, and quick recipe, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 12 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 13 tablespoons of sunflower oil or olive oil
- 12 tablespoons of milk
- 13-14 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa (optional)
- 1 packet of baking powder (10g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Grated zest and juice from 1-2 lemons, depending on preference

For the lemon glaze:
- Juice from 2 lemons
- Sugar (amount to taste, usually 4-6 tablespoons)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. It is essential to have the eggs at room temperature, as they will incorporate better into the mixture. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a loaf pan with oil or butter, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the eggs with the sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. The mixture should become frothy and light in color, indicating that air has been well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the oil and milk
Once the egg and sugar mixture is ready, add the oil and milk alternately, mixing gently between each addition. This will ensure a creamy and even texture. The lemon flavor will now be added by incorporating the zest and lemon juice, along with the vanilla. Mix well.

Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. It is important to sift the flour to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, stirring with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It should be slightly runny but not too liquid; if it seems too dense, add a tablespoon of flour.

Step 5: (Optional) Adding cocoa
If you want to add a contrast of color and flavor, take a small cup of the cake mixture and mix it with a tablespoon of cocoa. This will create a very pleasant marbled effect. If you do not want cocoa, you can skip this step.

Step 6: Baking the cake
Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan. If you used cocoa, pour the cocoa mixture on top and gently swirl with a spatula to create a marbled effect. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. For the first quarter of an hour, keep the oven at a higher temperature (200 degrees Celsius) to help the cake rise, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius. Check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 7: Preparing the glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. Mix the lemon juice with the sugar, adjusting the amount of sugar according to how sweet you want the glaze to be. You can add more or less, depending on your preference.

Step 8: Applying the glaze
As soon as the cake is out of the oven, pour the lemon glaze over it. It will be absorbed quickly, giving it moisture and an intense lemon flavor. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon or ginger powder for a twist on the cake.
- Serve the cake alongside a cup of herbal tea or a strong espresso for a perfect combination.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt.

Nutritional benefits:
This lemon cake provides a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar, and the lemon contributes a significant amount of vitamin C, beneficial for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute oil with butter?
Yes, you can use melted butter, but you will need to let it cool before adding it to the egg mixture.
2. What do I do if I don't have enough flour?
You can use a mix of whole wheat and white flour to add a bit of fiber to the recipe.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen very well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

This lemon-flavored cake recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every moist slice and the intense aroma, and don’t hesitate to share this delicacy with your loved ones!