Sicilian Whole Lemon Cake
User Reviews
4.8
Sicilian Whole Lemon Cake
Description
This cake features a unique use of the entire Meyer lemon, including rind and pulp, pureed to distribute natural oils and acidity evenly through the batter made of sugar, eggs, and flour mixed with softened butter and Greek yogurt. Using Meyer lemons imparts a less sour, more floral citrus profile compared to standard lemons. The mixture is baked in an 8-inch springform pan until a skewer inserted comes out clean, usually within 50 to 60 minutes.
After baking and slight cooling, the cake is finished with a lemon glaze made from lemon juice, water, and sugar poured over the top, which soaks into the cake adding additional moisture and tang. This whole lemon cake is tender and flavorful, highlighting the subtle tartness and fragrance of Meyer lemon throughout.
The cake serves well as a simple dessert or teatime cake, pairing nicely with light accompaniments like fresh fruit or whipped cream. The recipe notes that Meyer lemons reduce sourness, and adjustments to sugar can be made if using other lemon varieties. Proper testing for doneness ensures a moist but fully cooked texture.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 egg
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder or 1 packet Italian Pane Degli Angeli vanilla baking powder
- ⅓ cup butter softened
- ⅓ cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 large Meyer lemon organic, washed and cut into pieces (with the rind, but remove the seeds)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract ONLY if using plain baking powder
Glaze:
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz water
- 2 ⅞ Tbsp sugar (a little less than 3 Tbsp)
Instructions
Make the Whole Lemon Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an 8" springform pan by spraying with oil (or butter) and lining in parchment paper (sides optional, if you want really clean sides), then spray the paper, too.
- Place the sugar and eggs in a large bowl and beat with a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder then add to the mixture in the bowl a little at a time along with the softened butter. Continue to mix until completely blended, then stir in the yogurt and the vanilla, if using.
- In a food processor, process the whole lemon until it is almost pureed.
- Add this lemon to the cake mixture and stir until evenly combined, then put the batter into the prepared tin.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes (depending on your oven), but test with a cake tester or skewer to make sure the whole lemon cake is done before removing from the oven. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, then remove the side of the springform pan.
Make the Lemon Glaze:
- Prepare the glaze by melting the sugar in the lemon juice and water, and allow to simmer for a few minutes, just until the liquid has a syrupy consistency. Spoon and brush over the top of the cake and allow to cool completely before cutting.
- Yes, it’s hard to wait, but the moist lemon cake will cut more easily if it’s cool first.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or a few lemon slices, or just serve plain.
Notes
- Meyer lemons provide a milder, less sour citrus flavor; if unavailable, consider increasing sugar slightly to offset sourness.
- Test cake doneness with a skewer to avoid under- or over-baking as baking times can vary.
- Use an 8-inch springform pan lined with parchment for easy removal and clean sides.
- The lemon glaze enhances moistness and adds fresh citrus brightness to the finished cake.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2909 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cake | |
| Calories | 2909kcal | 145% |
| Carbohydrates | 512g | 171% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 79g | 122% |
| Saturated Fat | 44g | 220% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Trans Fat | 3g | 150% |
| Cholesterol | 724mg | 241% |
| Sodium | 1794mg | 75% |
| Potassium | 640mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 339g | 678% |
| Vitamin A | 2712IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 805mg | 81% |
| Iron | 14mg | 78% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
