Lemon Guguluf

Lemon Guguluf: A Flavored Delight for Special Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Total time: 80-90 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

I invite you to venture into the wonderful world of desserts with a classic lemon guguluf recipe. This dessert not only exudes a fresh and invigorating aroma but is also an excellent choice for any occasion, from a special breakfast to a gathering with friends. Let’s not forget that guguluf has a rich history, often associated with festive cake traditions and moments of relaxation with loved ones.

Basic Ingredients and Useful Details

To achieve a perfect guguluf, here are the ingredients you need:

- 250 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 110 g butter at room temperature
- 300 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Zest from 1/2 lemon (without the outer yellow membrane)
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 120 ml sour cream or plain yogurt

Useful Tips about Ingredients:

1. Flour: Use good quality wheat flour to achieve a fluffy guguluf. If you want to try something different, you can use whole wheat flour for a deeper flavor.
2. Butter: Make sure the butter is well softened at room temperature to easily incorporate into the mixture. You can replace part of the butter with coconut oil for an exotic flavor.
3. Sugar: White sugar is standard, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a caramel note.
4. Eggs: Choose fresh eggs, preferably from local farms, for better flavor.
5. Lemon: Use organic lemons, as the zest is very important in the recipe. Its fresh aroma will make the guguluf more invigorating.

Step by Step: Preparing the Guguluf

1. Preheating the oven: Start by turning on the oven and setting it to 180 degrees Celsius. It is essential that the temperature is correct for the guguluf to rise evenly.

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored mixture. This step is crucial, as the air incorporated into the butter will help the cake rise.

3. Adding flavors: Incorporate the lemon zest and juice, as well as the vanilla extract. Mix well to distribute the flavors throughout the mixture.

4. Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Each egg will help stabilize the mixture.

5. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and salt. This will be the dry base of the guguluf.

6. Combining ingredients: Using the mixer on low speed, gradually add 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by 1/2 of the sour cream or yogurt. Continue with another 1/3 of the flour, the remaining sour cream/yogurt, and finish with the last portion of flour. Beat just until the batter becomes smooth; do not overmix, as it may become dense.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the guguluf mold, greased with butter and dusted with flour. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice the top starts to brown too much, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the guguluf is baked, let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving Suggestions

The lemon guguluf pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice for an absolutely delicious dessert.

Possible Variations

If you want to diversify the recipe, you can try the following:

- Nuts and dried fruits: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Glaze: Prepare a glaze from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness and moisture.
- Flavors: Experiment with other flavors, such as orange or lavender, to transform this guguluf into a completely different dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of lemon guguluf contains approximately 350 calories, making it a good choice for a sweet snack. The ingredients used also provide a source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, as well as the healthy fats from the butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will provide a richer taste, but the texture will be slightly different.

2. How do I keep the guguluf fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. What other flavors can I use?
Besides lemon, you can use orange, mandarin, or even lavender for a more exotic taste.

The lemon guguluf is not just a simple dessert but also a cooking experience full of joy and flavor! I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every delicious slice. Whether you make it for yourself or to treat your loved ones, this guguluf will surely be a success!