East 62nd Street lemon cake recipe for a zesty treat

Ingredients for East 62nd Street lemon cake

• 360 g plain flour

• 10 g baking powder

• 2.5 g salt

• 225 g unsalted butter, softened

• 400 g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 240 ml full-fat milk

• zest of 2 large lemons, finely grated

• 80 ml lemon juice

• 130 g caster sugar

How to make East 62nd Street lemon cake

1. Adjust the oven rack to one-third up from the bottom of the oven.

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional).

3. Grease an 11- to 12-cup capacity tube pan with butter, then dust it lightly with fine, dry breadcrumbs.

4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.

5. In a large bowl, beat the butter using an electric mixer until slightly softened.

6. Add the sugar and beat for 2–3 minutes until well combined.

7. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to keep the mixture smooth.

8. On the lowest speed, alternately add the dry ingredients in three additions and the milk in two additions, scraping the bowl and mixing only until just combined after each addition.

9. Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the lemon zest.

10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, then level the top by rotating the pan briskly back and forth.

11. Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

12. Allow the cake to stand in the pan for about 5 minutes, then cover it with a wire rack and invert it.

13. Place the inverted cake over a large piece of foil or wax paper.

14. Prepare the glaze by stirring the lemon juice and sugar together, then brush it all over the hot cake until absorbed.

15. Let the cake cool completely.

16. Use two wide metal spatulas or a baking tray to transfer the cake to a serving plate.

17. Avoid cutting the cake for at least a few hours to allow it to set properly.

18. For a delightful variation, substitute 120 ml of Key lime juice in the glaze instead of the lemon juice but keep the lemon zest in the cake.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.