Cake with rahat and lemon
Lemon and Turkish Delight Cake – a delight that will remind you of childhood
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Who doesn't fondly remember the aroma of childhood cakes, often made by grandparents or mothers? This Turkish delight and lemon cake recipe is an improvisation inspired by my cousin, Roxana, who shared the delicious filling with me! Although she didn't remember the basic sheets, we managed to create a quick, simple dessert with a unique taste together. This cake is not only easy to prepare, but it will bring you joy with every slice.
Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 egg (about 50 g)
- 250 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- 300 ml sparkling mineral water (for a fluffy texture)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable according to preferences)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 3 tablespoons of warm water (to activate the yeast)
- Flour as needed (about 700 g, but can be adjusted based on humidity)
For the filling:
- 1 kg Turkish delight (a mix of textures and flavors, your choice)
- 2 lemons (zest and pulp, for a fresh and tangy taste)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable based on the acidity of the lemons)
- 200 g butter (soft, to blend the flavors)
Preparing the dough:
1. Beat the egg: In a large bowl, beat the egg with 5 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. This step will provide a slightly sweet base and help the dough rise.
2. Activate the yeast: In another bowl, prepare the yeast: mix the cube of yeast with 3 tablespoons of warm water and a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
3. Combine the ingredients: Add the activated yeast to the egg mixture, then incorporate the oil and sparkling water. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
4. Add the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously, until the dough becomes easy to shape and no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to add too much flour at once, to avoid a too dense dough.
5. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
Preparing the filling:
1. Prepare the lemons: Wash the lemons well, then zest them and extract the pulp. These will add a fresh and tangy note to the filling.
2. Mix the ingredients: Use a food processor to chop the Turkish delight and butter, alternating with the lemon pulp. Add the sugar and lemon zest, mixing well. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to cool and firm up slightly.
Assembly:
1. Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts.
2. Roll out the sheets: On an oiled surface, roll each piece of dough into a thin sheet. Carefully place the sheets on the back of the baking tray.
3. Prepare the sheets for baking: Prick each sheet with a fork in several places to prevent puffing during baking.
4. Bake the sheets: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake the sheets for about 10 minutes, or until they become slightly golden and crispy. Let them cool completely.
5. Assemble the cake: Place one sheet, then a layer of filling, repeating this process until you use all the sheets and filling. The last sheet will be dusted with powdered sugar, adding an elegant finish.
6. Final cooling: Cover the cake with a towel and let it rest for 24 hours. This resting process will allow the flavors to develop and make the cake easier to cut.
Serving the cake:
Serve the cake with a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of fresh lemonade. You can also add a few lemon slices for a pleasant appearance and a flavor boost.
Useful tips:
- If the lemons are too sour, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to achieve a pleasant balance.
- You can experiment with different types of Turkish delight, such as those with nuts or flavored with rose, to add a personal twist to your cake.
- For a more elegant look, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon over the powdered sugar after the cake has cooled.
Nutritional information:
Each serving of cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This cake is rich in carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, but also contains healthy fats from the butter. The lemons add vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the result will be different.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in a closed container in the refrigerator for a few days.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Certainly! You can add nuts or raisins to diversify the textures and flavors.
This Turkish delight and lemon cake is not just a dessert, but a sweet memory of childhood that can be shared with loved ones. So, put on your apron and allow yourself to enjoy every step of this creative process! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 1 egg, 250 ml oil, 300 ml sparkling water, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cube of yeast, 3 tablespoons of warm water, flour as needed. Filling: 1 kg rahat, two lemons, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 200 g butter.
