Description
Sweet lemon delight dream cake invites dessert enthusiasts on a delectable journey through zesty citrus layers. Creamy, light, and perfectly balanced, this Mediterranean-inspired treat promises a refreshing escape with each delightful bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 320 g flour
- 120 g sugar
- 140 g butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 6 g baking powder
Cream Filling:
- 500 ml milk
- 80 g mascarpone or Philadelphia cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish/Additional Ingredients:
(None listed in original recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon-infused cream filling by combining milk, eggs, cornstarch, and sugar in a saucepan, whisking thoroughly over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a thick, velvety consistency.
- Remove the cream from heat and gently fold in mascarpone or cream cheese along with fragrant lemon zest, allowing the mixture to cool completely while developing rich, tangy flavors.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring precise temperature for optimal baking conditions.
- In a mixing bowl, whip eggs with sugar and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light, airy, and increases in volume, creating a delicate base for the cake.
- Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, and softened butter into the egg mixture, stirring until a smooth, homogeneous batter forms without overmixing.
- Grease and flour a cake pan, then carefully divide the cake batter into two equal portions, spreading the first layer evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Gently pour the cooled lemon cream over the initial cake layer, creating a luxurious creamy center that promises delightful texture and flavor.
- Top the cream layer with the remaining cake batter, ensuring complete coverage and a seamless final appearance.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring closely and testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing, which helps set the cream and enhance the cake’s structural integrity.
Notes
- Ensure the cream mixture is stirred constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Let the cream cool completely before adding to the cake to prevent curdling and maintain a silky texture.
- Zest the lemon carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, focusing only on the bright yellow outer layer for maximum flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurement proportions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg