Lemon-Drenched Lemon Cake

This a a beautiful cake which tastes quite lemony. is lovely and moist. I like to wipe the pans over inside with oil and then line with baking paper rather than grease and flour the pans as I find it works better. This recipe was given to me with out a source so I am unable to attribute it, sorry.

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 12 +

Cook Time: 55 to 60 minutes  

Ingredients

For the Cakes you will need –

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
2 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out and reserved or 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 lemons, zest of, finely grated
15 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the syrup you will need –

1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 lemons, juice of

Directions

Making the cakes:
Centre a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8 1/2-4 1/2-inch loaf pans, dust the insides with flour and tap out the excess. Even if the pans are non-stick, it’s a good idea to butter and flour them. Place the pans on an insulated baking sheet or on two regular sheets stacked one on top of the other.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Put the sugar and the lemon zest in a large bowl, working with your fingers; rub them together until the sugar is moist and thoroughly imbued with the fragrance of lemon. Add the vanilla bean seeds and work them into the sugar. If you are using vanilla extract, add it later, after you have added the eggs.

Add the eggs and whisk them into the sugar, beating until they are thoroughly incorporated. Whisk in the extract (if using), then whisk in the cream. Continuing with the whisk, or switching to a large rubber spatula, gently stir in the dry ingredients in 3 or 4 additions; the batter will be smooth and thick. Finish by folding in the melted butter in 2 or 3 additions. Pour the batter into the pans, smoothing with a rubber spatula.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. As soon as the cake goes into the oven, make the syrup. After about 30 minutes in the oven, check the cakes for colour- if they are browning too quickly, cover them lightly with foil tents.

Making the syrup: Stir the water and sugar together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar melts, then bring to a boil Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Pour the syrup into a heatproof bowl and let cool.

When the cakes test done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes before unmolding them and turning them right side up on the rack. Place the rack over a baking sheet lined with wax paper and, using a thin skewer, cake tester or thin-bladed sharp knife, poke holes all over the cakes. Brush the cakes all over with the syrup, working slowly so that the cakes sop it up. Leave the cakes on the rack to cool to room temperature.

Categories: Breads, Cakes, Coffee Cake, Desserts, Fruit Cakes

Submitted by: kitkat on May 14, 2010