Limonnik Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. 5.
   Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once the cake has cooled, prepare the lemon glaze (recipe below) and drizzle it over the top of the cake.
11. 11.
    Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon zest — Make sure to wash the lemons thoroughly before zesting to remove any wax or residue. Use a fine grater or a zester to obtain the zest, being careful not to include the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze.
• Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• To make the cake even more moist, brush the layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and lemon juice before assembling.

Serving advice

Serve Limonnik Delight as a delightful dessert after a hearty Russian meal. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Garnish the cake with thin lemon slices or lemon zest curls for an eye-catching presentation. Place it on a cake stand or a decorative platter to showcase its vibrant yellow color.