LEMON SPONGE CAKE RECIPES FROM SCRATCH RECIPES

Steps:

• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat egg whites (SAVE THE YOLKS) and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add 1/2 cup of the sugar and beat until very stiff. Do not underbeat. Set aside.
• Beat yolks until blended. Add remaining 1 1/2 cup sugar and beat until blended. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the cold water.
• Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Add the lemon juice and mix it in gently.
• Bake in an ungreased tube pan 60-70 minutes at 350 degrees. Invert and cool completely before removing from pan.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3. Butter a deep, loose-bottomed, 18cm cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.
• Beat the butter and caster sugar together with an electric whisk until fluffy and pale in colour. Crack the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the lemon zest. Fold in the flour, baking powder and ½ tsp salt, then fold in the yogurt.
• Spoon the mixture into the lined tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-55 mins, or until golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for 10 mins before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Will keep in an airtight container for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to a month.
• When you’re ready to decorate, sieve the icing sugar into a bowl and beat in enough of the lemon juice to create a thick icing. Set the cake on a serving plate or cake stand, then spoon over the icing, allowing it to drip down the sides a little. Top with the lemon zest or candied peel, if using (see below), and cut into generous wedges to serve.
• To make candied lemon peel, peel large, wide strips from the lemons using a vegetable peeler. Remove any pith with a knife, then julienne the peel into very thin matchsticks. Tip the granulated sugar into a saucepan with 200ml water and set over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the lemon peel and simmer gently for 15 mins, then scoop the peel out using a slotted spoon and set on a piece of kitchen paper to cool. Use to decorate the top of your cake.