Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Grater
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the poppy seeds.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: margarine, coconut oil, or vegetable oil
- Buttermilk: plain yogurt or milk
- Poppy Seeds: sesame seeds or chia seeds
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract for an almond-flavored cake
- Substitute orange juice and zest for the lemon juice and zest
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed in the batter
- Fold in the poppy seeds gently to avoid overmixing
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream
- Top with fresh berries
Garnishes:
- Lemon slices
- Mint leaves
- Candied lemon peel
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Lemon curd
- Earl Grey tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of buttermilk or milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, add an extra egg to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before baking.
- Do not leave the cake out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
The Queen Elizabeth Cake is a classic British cake that is believed to have been created in the 1950s. It is a light and fluffy cake that is flavored with lemon and poppy seeds.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a light and fluffy texture with a subtle lemon flavor and a hint of nuttiness from the poppy seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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