Zesty Lemon Delight Tea Cake
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Zesty Lemon Delight Tea Cake, a delightful loaf that perfectly balances tangy lemon and warm spices. This cake, adapted from the renowned Mean Chef, features a tender crumb that melts in your mouth and is complemented by the aromatic essence of caraway seeds and ground coriander. Topped with a luscious lemon curd (see linked recipe), this cake makes an ideal afternoon treat or a delightful dessert for any occasion. With its bright citrus notes and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to be a favorite among family and friends for years to come.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
9 ounces ((2 cups, sifted))
baking powder
2 teaspoons ((sifted with flour))
salt
1/2 teaspoon ((sifted with flour))
unsalted butter
4 ounces ((1/2 cup, at room temperature))
lemon zest
1/4 cup ((finely grated))
granulated sugar
1 cup ((adjust to taste))
large eggs
2 ((room temperature))
ground coriander
2 teaspoons ((for added flavor))
ground mace
3/4 teaspoon ((for aroma and taste))
whole milk
3/4 cup ((room temperature))
caraway seeds
2 teaspoons ((for unique flavor))
lemon curd
1 cup ((serve as topping, see recipe link))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease and flour a 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
3
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4
In another bowl, using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and finely grated lemon zest together until light and creamy, approximately 1 minute.
5
Add the granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, ground coriander, and ground mace to the butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6
Slowly add half of the room temperature milk to the mixture and beat until just blended.
7
Gradually add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing until just incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even blend.
8
Pour in the remaining milk and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
9
Fold in the caraway seeds gently using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
10
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
13
If properly wrapped, this cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, maintaining its tender texture.
14
To serve, cut the cake into thick slices using a serrated knife, and enjoy with a dollop of lemon curd for an extra tangy finish.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
33g
Carbs
3g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
20g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Lemon Delight Tea Cake?
It is a refreshing loaf cake that balances tangy lemon flavors with warm spices like ground coriander, ground mace, and caraway seeds.
What are the primary spices used in this cake?
The cake features a unique blend of 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, 3/4 teaspoon of ground mace, and 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake.
What size loaf pan do I need for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch loaf pan.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
You should grease and flour the loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking during the baking process.
How long does the Zesty Lemon Delight Tea Cake take to bake?
The cake typically takes between 60 to 65 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack.
How should I store the leftover tea cake?
If properly wrapped, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.
What is the recommended way to serve this cake?
Cut the cake into thick slices using a serrated knife and enjoy it with a dollop of lemon curd for an extra tangy finish.
How many calories are in one serving of this cake?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat in each serving of the tea cake.
How much sugar is in each slice?
Each serving of the cake contains approximately 20 grams of sugar.
Does this cake contain any fiber?
Yes, each serving provides about 0.5 grams of fiber.
What is the protein content of the tea cake?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
How much lemon zest is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely grated lemon zest.
Should the eggs and milk be cold or at room temperature?
Both the eggs and the milk should be at room temperature to ensure they blend properly into the batter.
How do I incorporate the caraway seeds into the batter?
Gently fold the caraway seeds into the batter using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed.
What type of flour is used in this tea cake?
The recipe uses 9 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together helps create a light and tender crumb.
What attachment should I use on my electric mixer?
It is recommended to use a paddle attachment when beating the butter and sugar mixture.
How long should I beat the butter and lemon zest together?
Beat the softened butter and zest for approximately 1 minute until the mixture is light and creamy.
How is the milk added to the batter?
Add half the milk and beat until just blended, then add the remaining milk after incorporating the flour.
How should I add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients?
Gradually add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing until just incorporated while scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Avoiding overmixing ensures that the cake remains tender and doesn't become tough or dense.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of unsalted butter; if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the additional salt added.
What is the purpose of the ground mace in this recipe?
Ground mace is used to provide a specific aromatic essence and unique depth of flavor to the cake.
How much lemon curd is needed for the topping?
The recipe suggests having 1 cup of lemon curd ready to serve as a topping.
What is the carbohydrate count for a serving of this cake?
Each serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this cake appropriate for a specific occasion?
This cake is ideal for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or any occasion where a bright citrus treat is desired.