White lemon cake

White Lemon Cake - a Refreshing and Delicate Dessert

Looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of freshness to every bite? Then, the white lemon cake is the perfect choice! This cake stands out for its airy texture and citrus filling, making it ideal for any occasion, from a family meal to a party with friends. Plus, it's an easy recipe to make, perfect for any cooking enthusiast, regardless of experience level.

The history of this simple yet elegant dessert spans several generations. Originating from pastry traditions, this type of cake has often been baked in people's homes, quickly becoming a favorite due to its simplicity and accessible ingredients. Lemon, the key ingredient, provides a vibrant flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of sugar and the softness of egg whites.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons raw sugar
- 5 tablespoons white wheat flour
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
- 5 grams baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Grated zest of one lemon (preferably untreated)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Decorations (optional, for a splash of color)

Steps to achieve a perfect white lemon cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Make sure it is well heated before placing the cake inside for even baking.

2. Prepare the pan: Choose a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. If using a silicone mold, parchment paper is not necessary, but ensure the mold is clean and dry.

3. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they become dense and white. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient!

4. Add the sugar: Once the egg whites are well beaten, start gradually adding the raw sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. It is important to ensure proper aeration, as this will make the cake fluffier.

5. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, poppy seeds, and baking powder into a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the meringue, carefully folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air.

6. Add the wet ingredients: Add the grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and sunflower oil to the cake mixture. Gently mix until combined, being careful not to overmix.

7. Pour the mixture into the pan: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Check if the cake is done using the toothpick method: insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, leave it for a few more minutes.

9. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. After it has completely cooled, dust it with vanilla sugar and add colorful decorations for an attractive appearance.

10. Serving: This white lemon cake is delicious both plain and alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce. Serve it as a dessert at a festive meal or enjoy it with a cup of tea on a relaxing afternoon.

Helpful tips:
- Use organic lemons for the zest to avoid pesticides.
- You can replace the poppy seeds with ground nuts or almonds for a different texture.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add vanilla extract to the meringue.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains protein from egg whites, making it a lighter option compared to other types of desserts. Lemon adds vitamin C, essential for immunity, and using raw sugar instead of refined white sugar provides extra minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites? - The recipe is specifically designed to use egg whites, but if you want to experiment with whole eggs, be mindful of the final texture.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh? - Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the cake? - Yes, you can freeze the cake! Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

4. What other recipes can these cakes be combined with? - This white lemon cake pairs wonderfully with chocolate cakes or fruit muffins for a diverse dessert platter.

Don't hesitate to try this recipe at home! The white lemon cake will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!