Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake: A Refreshing Delicacy with Citrus Flavor

Lemon Cake is a perfect choice for warm days or for moments when you want to impress with a refined dessert. This cake, with a fluffy base, a fine cream cheese filling, and a tangy orange glaze, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your guests. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious cake!

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours (1 hour for cream + 2 hours for glaze)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 ml of oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 g of soft cheese
- 200 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon

For the glaze:
- 850 ml of orange juice (approximately 8 large oranges)
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve a firm foam.

2. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks and sugar. Using a mixer, beat them until they double in volume and become a light yellow color. This process will incorporate air into the mixture, giving the base a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the oil: Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously. The oil will help maintain moisture.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the yolk mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until no lumps remain.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial for obtaining an airy base.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Using a spatula, gradually add the egg whites to the yolk mixture, mixing carefully to preserve the air in the foam. This will give the base a light texture.

7. Baking: Prepare a 32/24 cm baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray, leveling it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

8. Cooling: Allow the base to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Beating the butter: In a bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until it becomes creamy and fluffy. This is when the cream gains its fine texture.

2. Adding the cheese: Add the soft cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well until everything is homogenized. The lemon flavor will give a fresh taste to the cream, perfectly complementing the cake.

3. Applying the cream: Once the base has cooled, spread the cream cheese evenly over its surface. Make sure it is well distributed.

4. Cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so that the cream sets.

Step 3: Preparing the glaze

1. Obtaining the orange juice: Squeeze the juice from the 8 large oranges. It is better to choose fresh oranges, as the aroma and taste will be much more intense than store-bought ones.

2. Preparing the glaze: In a saucepan, mix the orange juice with the sugar and vanilla pudding. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Let it cool slightly.

3. Applying the glaze: After the cream has set, pour the orange glaze evenly over the cake. Make sure it is well covered.

4. Final cooling: Put the cake back in the refrigerator for another 2 hours so that the glaze hardens.

Step 4: Serving

1. Portioning: Once all the layers have cooled and set, cut the cake into servings. Use a wet knife for clean cuts.

2. Serving suggestions: Lemon Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of green tea. The citrus flavor will perfectly complement the sweetness of the ice cream.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can add some berries on top of the cream or substitute the soft cheese with mascarpone for an even creamier texture.
- Tricks for a perfect base: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help with better homogenization.
- Frequently asked questions:
- What can I use instead of soft cheese? You can try ricotta or a combination of cottage cheese and sour cream.
- How can I make the glaze less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar or add a little lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional benefits

Lemon Cake offers a pleasant combination of protein from eggs and cheese, healthy fats from butter and oil, as well as vitamins and minerals from citrus. It is a dessert that, in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

In conclusion, Lemon Cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face and to those of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the base: 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of flour, 100ml oil, 1 teaspoon of baking powder. For the cream: 500g sweet cheese, 200g butter, 150g sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, Zest of one lemon. For the glaze: 850ml orange juice (from 8 large oranges), 2 vanilla puddings, 5 tablespoons of sugar.