Meyer lemons: Meyer-Lemon Cake (0115)
Dan Goldberg
AuthorCarolyn Grattan Eichin, Campbell, CA

Cooking the lemons before adding them to the cake mellows their flavor. Prep and Cook Time: 2 hours. Notes: We also like the sharper flavor of regular lemons, which may be substituted in equal amounts.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Put whole lemons in a large pot over high heat, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain; transfer to a bowl of ice water. When lemons are cool, cut into quarters and gently remove seeds, retaining as much juice as possible. Whirl lemons in a food processor until they become a smooth, thick purée.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Butter and flour a 9-in. pan with a removable rim. In a food processor, pulse almonds until nuts resemble coarse cornmeal. Put in a large bowl and add 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 3
3

In another large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow. Stir in lemon purée and almond extract. Add almond mixture and stir to combine. Stir in candied ginger. Set aside.

Step 4
4

In another large bowl, beat egg whites to form firm peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Step 5
5

Bake until edges of cake begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 1 hour. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.

Step 6
6

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread glaze over cake. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Step 7
7

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Ingredients

 1 pound Meyer lemons plus 1 tbsp. fresh Meyer lemon juice (see Notes) and 10 thin Meyer lemon slices for garnish
 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing pan)
  About 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
 1 1/2 cups whole almonds
 1 teaspoon baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 5 eggs, separated
 1 1/4 cups sugar
 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
 1/4 cup candied or crystallized ginger, finely diced
 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Step 1
1

Put whole lemons in a large pot over high heat, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain; transfer to a bowl of ice water. When lemons are cool, cut into quarters and gently remove seeds, retaining as much juice as possible. Whirl lemons in a food processor until they become a smooth, thick purée.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Butter and flour a 9-in. pan with a removable rim. In a food processor, pulse almonds until nuts resemble coarse cornmeal. Put in a large bowl and add 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 3
3

In another large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow. Stir in lemon purée and almond extract. Add almond mixture and stir to combine. Stir in candied ginger. Set aside.

Step 4
4

In another large bowl, beat egg whites to form firm peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Step 5
5

Bake until edges of cake begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 1 hour. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.

Step 6
6

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread glaze over cake. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Step 7
7

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Meyer-Lemon Cake

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