Lemon Cake
This is a simple leavened cake flavoured with fresh lemons and raisins. To make it we used organic lemons and included both the juice and zest. By adding raisins, which we are used to seeing in ricotta cakes, we’ve made this tea loaf original and unusual. It can be cut into slices and served for breakfast and snacks. It’s good for adults too, as a dessert, if served with a drop of liqueur. With its extreme simplicity and versatility it’s a cake you can make every week. You can also put a slice every day in your children’s backpacks so that they have a healthy homemade snack whilst at school.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Soak the raisins in warm water. Meanwhile, put the softened butter (at room temperature) and the sugar in a bowl and beat with an electric whisk until the mixture is puffed up and frothy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing them uniformly. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Wash the lemons, grate the zest (yellow part only) and squeeze their juice. Combine the juice and zest with the butter and sugar mixture. Add the drained raisins and sift in the flour. Separately, beat the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt, then fold them into the mixture a little at a time, stirring from top to bottom and vice versa. Grease and flour a rectangular loaf tin, pour the mixture in carefully, level off and cook it for 50 minutes. Let it cool completely before tipping out and serving.
Step by step
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Beat the butter and sugar together
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Add the yolks
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Add the flour
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Beat the mixture some more
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Add the grated lemon zest and juice and mix again
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Add some soaked and strained raisins
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Carefully fold in the beaten egg white
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Butter and flour and loaf tin
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Pour the cake mix into the loaf tin, level it off, and bake
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The lemon cake is ready
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Additional information
Lemon Cake with Raisins
The recipe for Lemon Cake can be enriched with the addition of raisins, which provide natural sweetness and a soft texture. To prepare this variation, it is important to soak the raisins in warm water before adding them to the mixture. This step not only softens the raisins but also prevents them from sticking during baking. During preparation, the butter must be creamed with the sugar until a fluffy mixture is obtained, and only then can the egg yolks and other ingredients be added. The result will be a fragrant dessert, ideal for a snack or as a dessert after a meal. The combination of lemon and raisins makes this cake even more delicious and inviting, perfect for those who love sweets with a touch of freshness.
Lemon Cake British Style
Lemon Cake is a typical preparation from the United Kingdom, often served during afternoon tea. This version, characterized by a soft and moist batter, is ideal for accompanying a cup of tea or coffee. In England, the cake is traditionally made with simple but high-quality ingredients. To achieve a perfect cake, it is essential to respect the baking times and the oven temperature, which should be set to 180 degrees. The grated lemon zest not only adds flavor but also provides an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a birthday party to an informal gathering with friends, and represents a true symbol of British pastry.
Light Lemon Cake without Butter
For those who want a lighter version of Lemon Cake, it can be made without butter, replacing it with Greek yogurt or seed oil. This alternative significantly reduces the fat content while still maintaining a soft and pleasant texture. Using yogurt, the cake will be moist and rich in flavor, while the seed oil will make the cake lighter. Be sure to balance the other ingredients, such as sugar, so as not to compromise the sweetness. This preparation is perfect for those on a diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a homemade dessert. Additionally, the light Lemon Cake can also be served as a healthy breakfast, accompanied by fresh fruit or jam.
Benefits of Lemon in Lemon Cake
Lemon, the main ingredient in Lemon Cake, is known for its beneficial properties. Rich in vitamin C, it helps strengthen the immune system and combat free radicals. Additionally, it has diuretic effects and promotes digestion, making it a valuable ally for health. A slice of Lemon Cake provides about 200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing high-quality raw materials, such as fresh lemons and brown sugar, you can obtain a dessert that is not only tasty but also nutritious. Remember that lemon, in addition to adding flavor, helps balance the fats present in the cake, making it lighter and more digestible.
Can Lemon Cake be frozen?
The answer is yes, Lemon Cake can be frozen! To do this, it is advisable to let the cake cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in a food bag. This way, the cake will keep for several weeks without compromising its flavor and texture. When you want to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature. It is important to note that once thawed, the cake should be consumed within a few days to ensure freshness. Freezing Lemon Cake is a practical solution to always have a delicious dessert ready to serve on any occasion.