Mascarpone and lemon cake

Mascarpone and Lemon Cake - A Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The history of the mascarpone and lemon cake is one filled with freshness and flavor. It is a dessert that combines the creamy texture of mascarpone with the vibrant aroma of lemon, bringing an elegant touch to any table. This cake is perfect for special occasions, but also for a simple afternoon with loved ones. Get ready to be surprised by how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 240 g flour (minus 2 tablespoons, which will be replaced with 2 tablespoons of cocoa)
- 240 g powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- Juice from 3 lemons
- Zest from 1 lemon or lime
- 100 g butter
- 500 g mascarpone
- 1 packet of gelatin (follow the instructions on the package)

For decoration:
- Grated chocolate
- Ground or shaved almonds

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 170°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve a fluffy and well-risen base.
2. In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Whisk the yolks with half of the powdered sugar (120 g) until you get a creamy and light-colored mixture.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the other half of the powdered sugar (120 g) until you obtain a firm foam. It is important to use a clean bowl to achieve perfect foam.
4. Add the oil and warm water to the yolk mixture, mixing gently.
5. Gradually fold in the beaten egg whites and the flour mixed with baking powder, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture. Use a spatula to mix gently from bottom to top.
6. Pour the mixture into a springform cake pan lined with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the base from sticking to the pan.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, but check after 10 minutes and reduce the temperature if necessary. The base should not be too dry, as this type of base does not require soaking.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, then add the juice from the 3 lemons. This combination will add a pleasant acidity to the cream.
2. Place the bowl over another pot of hot water (bain-marie) and stir constantly until the mixture thickens. This process helps to pasteurize the eggs and enrich the flavor.
3. Once it starts to thicken, let it cool slightly, then add the butter cut into cubes. Mix well to incorporate.
4. Allow the cream to cool completely. Meanwhile, beat the mascarpone with a mixer until creamy, then add the lemon zest for extra flavor.
5. Finally, add the cooled egg cream and gelatin (prepared according to the package instructions) to the mascarpone, mixing gently.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Once the base has completely cooled, remove it from the pan and turn it upside down. This will become the face of the cake and will have a more even texture.
2. Cut the base into 3 equal parts. This step will allow you to create delicious layers of cream between each layer of base.
3. Spread the cream between each layer of base, ensuring you use a spatula for an even appearance.
4. After completing the layering, cover the cake with the remaining cream, ensuring it is well coated.

Step 4: Decorating

1. Grate the chocolate and sprinkle it over the cake for an elegant and delicious appearance. This will add a pleasant contrast with the lemon cream.
2. Add the shaved almonds for a crunchy look and extra flavor.

Serving and Practical Tips

- Let the cake chill in the fridge for a few hours or, ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve the cake with a slice of lemon or a mint leaf for an extra touch of freshness.
- You can accompany this dessert with a glass of prosecco for a festive note or with a cup of green tea for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can try using ricotta or cream cheese, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream, but be careful to maintain the balance of flavors.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh for longer?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can also be frozen for later use.

Nutritional Benefits

This mascarpone and lemon cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a source of energy due to the content of eggs and oil. Lemons provide a significant amount of vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.

Possible Variations

- You can add berries to the cream for a fruitier taste and a vibrant appearance.
- Replace some of the flour with cocoa to create a chocolate cake.
- Experiment with flavors like vanilla or nutmeg to further customize the cake.

In conclusion, the mascarpone and lemon cake is a refined dessert, easy to prepare, and will surely impress. It will undoubtedly become a favorite recipe in your culinary repertoire!