Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing

Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The light and fluffy cake paired with the tangy lemon icing creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

The Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among many families. It is said to have originated in the early 1900s and has since become a staple dessert for celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients

1 cup softened butter
1.5 cups granulated sugar
0.67 cups granulated sugar
3 cups sifted cake flour
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
0.5 tsp lemon extract
0.5 tsp almond extract
6 egg whites
1 tsp cream of tartar

Lemon Icing

3 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 tbsp light cream
1 tbsp strained lemon juice
0.5 tsp finely grated lemon peel

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Grease and flour three round cake pans. Set them aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter. Gradually add 1.5 cups of sugar and continue to cream until light.
Sift the flour with salt and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk with lemon and almond extracts. Alternately add the sifted flour mixture in thirds with the buttermilk mixture.
Beat well after each addition.
In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the cream of tartar and the remaining 0.67 cup of sugar. Continue beating until the egg whites are stiff but not dry.
Carefully fold the butter flour mixture into the beaten egg whites, making sure not to reduce the volume of the egg whites.
Turn the mixture into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes in the pans. Then, turn the cakes out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once thoroughly cooled, fill and frost the cake with the lemon icing.
To prepare the icing, combine the sugar and cream. Beat until a moderately thick icing is formed.
Add the lemon juice and lemon peel, then stir to blend.
If needed, add just enough additional cream to thin the icing so that it can be spread thinly and evenly.

Variations

Add a layer of fresh berries between the cake layers for a burst of fruity flavor.
Substitute the lemon icing with a cream cheese frosting for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly cream the butter and sugar to achieve a light and fluffy texture for the cake.

- Folding the butter flour mixture into the beaten egg whites gently is key to maintaining the volume of the egg whites.

- Be sure to let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is crucial for a light and airy cake texture.

- Sifting the flour before adding it to the batter helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.

- Almond extract can be replaced with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to assemble and frost.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing with fresh lemon slices or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 4% DV

Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy and eggs

Summary

Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing is a decadent dessert that is moderate in calories and contains a good amount of carbohydrates and fats. It is a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing is a timeless dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its light and fluffy texture and tangy lemon icing, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah who had just returned from a trip to Europe. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with delicious recipes from all over the continent. As we sat in her kitchen flipping through the pages, one particular recipe caught my eye - Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing.

I had never heard of Liberty Cake before, but the description in the cookbook made my mouth water. A light and fluffy sponge cake infused with the tangy zest of fresh lemons, topped with a sweet and creamy lemon icing. It sounded like the perfect dessert for a summer afternoon.

Sarah noticed my interest in the recipe and offered to show me how to make it. She explained that Liberty Cake was a traditional recipe from France, passed down through generations in her family. As she taught me the steps, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, eggs, lemons. It was a recipe that celebrated the beauty of simplicity and the joy of sharing a delicious treat with loved ones.

As we worked together in the kitchen, mixing the batter, baking the cake, and preparing the icing, Sarah shared stories of her family and their love for baking. She told me about her grandmother, a talented cook who had taught her the art of making Liberty Cake when she was just a young girl. Sarah had fond memories of spending afternoons in the kitchen, learning from her grandmother and creating delicious treats together.

As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of lemons filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the cake was finally ready, we let it cool before spreading the creamy lemon icing on top. The icing glistened in the sunlight, a perfect complement to the golden sponge cake below.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I took a bite of Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing and was transported to a world of flavor and delight. The cake was light and airy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the lemon. The icing was smooth and velvety, melting in my mouth with each bite.

I knew then that this recipe was something special, a treasure to be cherished and shared with others. I thanked Sarah for teaching me how to make Liberty Cake and vowed to carry on the tradition in my own family. From that day on, Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing became a staple in my recipe collection, a reminder of the joy of baking and the love that goes into creating something delicious for those we care about.

Years passed, and I continued to make Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing for family gatherings, special occasions, and just because. Each time I pulled out the recipe, I felt a connection to Sarah and her family, to the traditions and stories that had been passed down through the generations. The recipe had become more than just a dessert - it was a symbol of friendship, love, and the simple pleasures of life.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen preparing another batch of Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when I first learned the recipe. The memories of that summer afternoon with Sarah, the taste of the cake on my lips, the warmth of the sun streaming through the window - they all come flooding back to me, filling my heart with gratitude and joy.

As I take the cake out of the oven and let it cool, I know that this batch will be just as delicious as the first. And as I spread the creamy lemon icing on top, I say a silent thank you to Sarah and her family for sharing their recipe with me. Liberty Cake with Lemon Icing will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate the simple joys of life.