Zesty Irish Whiskey Lemon Cake
This delightful Zesty Irish Whiskey Lemon Cake is a perfect union of tangy lemon and smooth Irish whiskey, creating a unique dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions found in the Irish Heritage Cookbook by Margaret M. Johnson, this cake is ideal for special occasions or simply to brighten any day. The preparation begins the day before for optimal flavor infusion, allowing the lemon zest to soak in the whiskey overnight, setting the foundation for a moist and aromatic cake. With a wonderful balance of sweetness and zest, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon zest
1 (cut into julienne)
Irish whiskey
1/4 cup
Butter
3/4 cup (at room temperature)
Superfine sugar
3/4 cup
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Salt
1 pinch
Ground almonds
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
The day before baking, place the julienned lemon zest into a small bowl. Pour the Irish whiskey over the zest, ensuring it's fully submerged. Cover and let it soak overnight to enhance the flavors.
2
On the day of baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and superfine sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
4
Add the beaten eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking in until fully combined. Take your time to ensure a smooth batter.
5
Sift the flour and gently fold it into the mixture, along with the pinch of salt. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until you no longer see any dry flour.
6
Fold in the ground almonds for added texture and flavor, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Strain the whiskey, discarding the lemon zest, and gently stir the infused whiskey into the batter, ensuring it's well incorporated.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Irish Whiskey Lemon Cake?
It is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that features a unique combination of tangy lemon and smooth Irish whiskey.
Who inspired this recipe?
The cake is inspired by the culinary traditions found in the Irish Heritage Cookbook by Margaret M. Johnson.
How long does the lemon zest need to soak in whiskey?
The lemon zest should be soaked in the Irish whiskey overnight to allow for optimal flavor infusion.
What type of whiskey is used in this cake?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of Irish whiskey.
Why should I start the preparation the day before baking?
Starting the day before allows the lemon zest to soak in the whiskey, which sets the foundation for a moist and aromatic cake.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size cake pan is needed?
The recipe requires a 9-inch cake pan.
How should the cake pan be prepared?
Grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
How long should I cream the butter and superfine sugar?
The mixture should be creamed for about 4-5 minutes until it is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding them to the batter?
The three eggs should be beaten before being whisked into the butter-sugar mixture.
How should the flour be added to the mixture?
The flour should be sifted and then gently folded into the mixture along with a pinch of salt.
What should I do with the ground almonds?
The ground almonds should be folded into the batter to provide added texture and flavor.
Do I leave the lemon zest in the whiskey when adding it to the batter?
No, you should strain the whiskey and discard the lemon zest before stirring the infused liquid into the batter.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake takes approximately 60 minutes to bake.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
What is the final cooling step?
After the initial 10 minutes in the pan, the cake should be moved to a wire rack to cool completely.
What are the best serving suggestions for this cake?
It is delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of softened butter at room temperature.
What type of sugar is best for this cake?
Superfine sugar is recommended for this recipe, using 3/4 cup.
How much flour is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sifted flour.
What is the preparation for the lemon zest?
The lemon zest should be cut into julienne before being soaked in whiskey.
How much ground almonds are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of ground almonds.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as being ideal for special occasions or to brighten any day.
What is the overall texture of the Zesty Irish Whiskey Lemon Cake?
The cake is moist, aromatic, and features a wonderful balance of sweetness and zest.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is included and folded in with the flour.
What should I use to smooth the top of the batter?
A spatula should be used to smooth the top of the batter for an even surface after pouring it into the pan.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
The beaten eggs should be added and whisked until fully combined to ensure a smooth batter.
What is the primary flavor profile of this cake?
The cake features a tangy lemon flavor balanced with smooth Irish whiskey.
Where can I find similar recipes?
Similar traditional recipes can be found in the Irish Heritage Cookbook by Margaret M. Johnson.