Lemon polenta cake is a delightful fusion of Italian and British baking traditions, bringing a unique texture and zesty flavor to your dessert table. This cake stands out with its grainy yet tender crumb, thanks to the polenta, and its vibrant citrusy punch from fresh lemons. Every bite feels like a little sunshine, perfect for brightening up any occasion.
I love how this cake marries simplicity with elegance. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, the combination of almond flour and polenta gives it a rich, nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the zing of lemon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this lemon polenta cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful lemon polenta cake. Gather these ingredients for a refreshing, gluten-free treat.
For the Cake
- 1 cup (160g) fine polenta
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) almond flour, finely ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Syrup
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries
- Lemon zest curls for garnish
- A dollop of whipped cream
Tools and Equipment
When preparing a delightful lemon polenta cake, having the right tools and equipment is crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
Mixing Tools
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two large mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will help you combine your ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
Baking Tools
- 9-Inch Springform Pan: A springform pan is ideal for this cake as it allows for easy removal and keeps the cake intact.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the bottom of the springform pan with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking, making the removal process smoother.
Measuring Tools
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is key for this recipe. Use both liquid and dry measuring cups and spoons.
- Digital Scale: For precise measurement of ingredients like polenta and almond flour, a digital scale can be incredibly helpful.
Zesting and Juicing Tools
- Microplane Zester: A microplane zester will efficiently zest your lemons, ensuring you get the fine, fragrant zest needed for the cake.
- Citrus Juicer: A manual or electric citrus juicer will help you extract the most juice from your lemons without much effort.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients together and scraping down the sides of the bowls.
- Wire Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack allows even air circulation around the cake, which helps in cooling it down evenly.
- Cake Stand or Serving Plate: Showcase your lemon polenta cake beautifully on a cake stand or a serving plate.
Having these tools and equipment ready will streamline your baking process and ensure that your lemon polenta cake turns out perfect every time.
Directions
Let’s create a delightful lemon polenta cake with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Follow these directions for a successful bake.
Prep
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately. Zest and juice two lemons, keeping zest and juice separate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (150g) of polenta, 1 ½ cups (150g) of almond flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Make the Cake
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (200g) of unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Use 3 large eggs.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice: Mix in the lemon zest from two lemons and the juice until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a light texture.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Syrup
- Heat Sugar and Lemon Juice: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar and ½ cup (120ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Simmer: Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Pierce Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, use a skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This allows the syrup to soak in properly.
- Pour Syrup: Slowly pour the warm lemon syrup over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup completely.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack before removing and serving.
Cooking Tips
Preparing the perfect lemon polenta cake requires attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
Polenta Vs Cornmeal
Polenta and cornmeal are both derived from corn but come in different textures. Polenta is usually coarser and more granular, while cornmeal can be fine, medium, or coarse. For this recipe, I prefer medium-grain polenta for the best texture contrast in the cake. If you only have cornmeal, ensure it’s not too fine as it might affect the crumb’s characteristic graininess.
Using Corn Flour
Corn flour, which is milled much finer than polenta or cornmeal, can occasionally be used in lemon polenta cake for a softer texture. If you choose to use corn flour, substitute the polenta with an equal measure. However, keep in mind that the unique granular texture will be less pronounced, giving the cake a smoother crumb.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Lemon polenta cake stores exceptionally well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for events and gatherings. Once your cake has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to a month. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw at room temperature, maintaining its delightful texture and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve
Presenting your lemon polenta cake is just as important as baking it. Here are some creative serving suggestions and delightful topping ideas to elevate your cake.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving lemon polenta cake warm, straight from the oven. Here are a few ways you can plate it:
- With Fresh Berries: A colorful medley of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the citrusy flavor.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture.
- As A Dessert Plate: Slice the cake into neat squares or wedges and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat.
- For Breakfast Or Brunch: A slice with a cup of herbal tea or coffee makes for a delightful morning indulgence.
Optional Toppings
To add extra flair to your lemon polenta cake, consider these topping options:
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice over the cake. It intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a lovely sheen.
- Candied Lemon Slices: Garnish with thin, candied lemon slices for a sophisticated look and a hint of bitterness.
- Almond Slivers: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top to echo the nutty undertones of the cake and add a slight crunch.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant, snowy effect and a touch of sweetness.
These suggestions and toppings will not only make your lemon polenta cake taste amazing but also look stunning on any occasion.
Storage Tips
When you bake a luscious lemon polenta cake, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its distinct texture and vibrant flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature Storage
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack. This prevents condensation from making the cake soggy.
- Wrapping the Cake: Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and air that could dry out the cake.
- Time Frame: Store the wrapped cake at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
- Cooling and Wrapping: As with room temperature storage, ensure the cake is completely cool and wrap it securely.
- Choosing a Container: Use an airtight container to prevent the cake from absorbing any refrigerator odors.
- Use-By Date: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
- Slicing the Cake: For convenient servings, slice the cake before freezing. This allows you to defrost only what you need.
- Wrapping for Freezing: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection guards against freezer burn.
- Storage Duration: Freeze the cake slices for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
By following these storage tips, you can savor the delightful flavors of your lemon polenta cake for days or even months after baking.
Conclusion
Lemon polenta cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings a fresh twist to traditional baking. Its unique combination of polenta and almond flour creates a wonderfully grainy yet tender crumb, perfectly balanced by the bright citrus notes of fresh lemons. This cake’s gluten-free nature makes it a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it fresh or storing it for later, lemon polenta cake retains its deliciousness, offering a treat that’s both elegant and simple. Enjoy this zesty, nutty delight whenever you crave a slice of something special.