When I made this for my family, they each wanted just a small slice. But after having a bite of this moist cake with the frosting that melts in the mouth- the cake was so done. Yes, it was almost done in minutes. The thing about this lemon cake is that it’s a balance of flavors. It’s sweet and zesty at the same time; you will never get tired of its taste easily. The lemon gives the cake that refreshing kick, making you crave for more. Don’t let your family miss this amazing cake recipe.
See what our friends from the Whisk Kid have to say about this recipe:
“This cake is very light, perfectly lemony and just the right thing for welcoming spring. It was the only thing I wanted for my birthday!”
It’s definitely the best way to welcome the new season. However, this cake can also be made for any occasion- it’s a classic cake that will have anyone clamoring for it. I once made this for a friend’s birthday and she loved it!
Ingredients
Lemon Cream via Fanny of FoodBeam
1/2 c (100 g) Domino sugar
1 1/2 lemons, zest of
2 large Eggland’s eggs
1/4 c (65 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons)
10 1/2 Tbls (150 g) Land O Lakes unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into big chunks
Chiffon Cake via Alton Brown
1/2 c (62 g) King Arthur cake flour
3/4 tsp Clabber Girl baking powder
1/2 tsp Morton salt
3 egg whites from Eggland’s eggs, at room temp
2 egg yolks from Eggland’s eggs, at room temp
1/3 c + 1 Tbls (85 g) Domino sugar, divided
1/8 c (31 ml) water
1/8 c (31 ml) Wesson vegetable oil
1/2 tsp McCormick vanilla
1/4 tsp McCormick cream of tartar
Italian Meringue Buttercream
1/4 c (63 ml) water
1 c (210 g) Domino sugar
5 egg whites from Eggland’s eggs
1/4 c (53 g) Domino sugar
1 c (237 g) Land O Lakes butter, softened, cut into small pieces
1 tsp McCormick vanilla, more if desired
Instructions
For the lemon cream:
First thing: fill the sink with 3-4cm of cold water (I use a large bowl). You will be placing the hot pan of lemon cream in it, so make sure whatever you’re using is large enough!
Put the sugar and zest in a large heatproof bowl (I use the bowl of my Kitchenaid stand mixer) that can be set over a pan of simmering water. Off the heat, rub the sugar and zest together between your fingers until the sugar is moist, grainy and very aromatic. Whisk in the eggs, followed by the lemon juice.
Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, and start stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook the lemon cream until it reaches 185F, stirring constantly – be prepared, as it can take quite a lot of time.
As soon as it reaches 185F, remove the cream from the heat and place the bowl into the sink and allow to cool down to 140F. Gradually incorporate the butter, whisking after each addition (at this point, I like to use my Kitchenaid fitted with the whisk, hence the use of the Kitchenaid bowl).
When all the butter as been used, blend the cream with a hand-held blender for 8 minutes. It might sound long, but will ensure a too-smooth-to-be-true lemon cream.
Pour the cream into a container, press a piece of cling film against the surface to create an airtight seal and refrigerate overnight.
For the chiffon cake:
Preheat the oven to 325F (160C) and prepare two 6″ round baking dishes by oiling them, lining the bottom with parchment, and oiling again.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Place the egg yolks and 2 1/2 ounces of the sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk on high for 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes pale yellow and ‘ribbons’ when lifted. Add the water, vegetable oil and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add the dry ingredients and whisk just to combine. Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl while you whisk the egg whites.
Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean bowl and whisk on high using the whisk attachment, until it becomes foamy. Decrease the speed to low and gradually add the remaining sugar. Increase speed to high and continue whisking until stiff peaks form, approximately 2 minutes.
Transfer 1/3 of the egg whites to the batter and whisk until well combined. Add the remaining egg whites and fold in gently. Transfer batter into prepared pans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or the top springs back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack, and cool in pans 10 minutes. Cut around the perimeter and invert onto cooling rack to cook completely.
For the buttercream:
Place the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer.
Heat the 1 c sugar and water on the stove to 245F stirring occasionally only after the sugar has been dissolved. When it is within the range of 230F to 235F, begin whipping the egg whites. When they get to soft peaks, begin adding the remaining 1/4 c sugar and continue whipping to medium peaks, being careful not to overbeat. When the syrup is the correct temperature, slowly pour it into the eggs with the mixer on high. After fully incorporated, beat the frosting 7-10 minutes until the outside of the bowl is room temp (I usually go a little longer than this; often times the bowl is not room temp when I begin adding butter. If the mix seems to soupy, put it in the fridge for a few moments or try briefly chilling some of the butter in the freezer before adding). Begin adding the butter, tablespoon by tablespoon, beating until fully incorporated. The frosting will deflate a little, but it’s ok. Keep whipping until the frosting comes together, add the vanilla and continue whipping until it’s light and fluffy.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE:
Slice each chiffon layer in half horizontally. Spread one with a thin layer of lemon cream, then a layer of buttercream. You could simply combine the two, but I didn’t want to mix up more than I would need. This way I can freeze the leftover buttercream for my next baking adventure. Top with another layer of cake, and spread, again, with a thin layer of lemon cream followed by a layer of buttercream. Continue until all of the layers are filled, and top with the last piece, flat side up. Crumb coat with the lemon cream, then frost with buttercream. Decorate as desired.
USE RED NEXT PAGE LINK BELOW.
Quick Tip: Best served with coffee or tea.
Thanks again to Whisk Kid for this amazing recipe.
