Lemon Crème Fraîche Cake with Lemon Syrup

Lemon Crème Fraîche Cake with Lemon Syrup

Ingredients

For the Cake

    • Butter: 150 g (2/3 cup), softened
    • Salt: a pinch
    • Sugar: 150 g (3/4 cup)
    • Lemon Zest: from 2 lemons
    • Eggs: 3
    • Fluid Crème Fraîche: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
  • Flour: 250 g (2 cups)
  • Baking Powder: 11 g (approximately 2 1/4 tsp)

For the Lemon Syrup

    • Water: 2 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (from 1 lemon)
  • Sugar: 2 tbsp

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
      • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a pinch of salt until smooth.

    • Add the sugar and lemon zest, and mix until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Eggs and Crème Fraîche:
      • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

    • Pour in the crème fraîche and mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients:
      • Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold gently into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Cake

  1. Prepare the Pan and Bake:
      • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
      • Grease a cake pan with butter and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Lemon Syrup

  1. Make the Syrup:
      • In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp of water, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, and 2 tbsp of sugar.

    • Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

Finish and Serve

  1. Add Syrup and Serve:
      • While the cake is still warm, drizzle the lemon syrup over the top, allowing it to soak in for extra moisture and flavor.

    • Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

    • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    • Garnish with lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
    • Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
    • Add fresh berries on the side for added color and flavor.
  • Serve as a light dessert or a refreshing snack.

Cooking Tips

    • Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best flavor.
    • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
    • Be gentle when folding in the flour to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
    • Adjust the sweetness of the syrup to taste by adding more or less sugar.
    • For extra lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the syrup.

Nutritional Benefits

    • Lemons: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
    • Crème Fraîche: Adds calcium and a creamy texture.
    • Eggs: Provide protein and essential vitamins.

Dietary Information

    • Vegetarian: Contains no meat or fish.
    • Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
    • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute crème fraîche and butter with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving Estimate)

    • Calories: ~250 kcal
    • Carbohydrates: 30 g
    • Fat: 12 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

Storage

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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