Lemon and Gin Cake

I'm not sure how this cake has not been included on my blog previously. It's a real favourite and is one that is requested for special occasions and birthday cakes.

Gin and tonics with lemon or lime are a favourite of mine so I was thrilled (several years ago now) to find a cake recipe that includes some of these ingredients.

It is definitely best served with plain yoghurt to balance the sweet syrup that is poured over the top. I usually double the syrup recipe to ensure there is lots to cover the cake.




Lemon and Gin Cake

SERVES: 12This gorgeous sponge-like lemon cake is soaked in a lemon and gin mixture immediately after removing from the oven.

200g butter
1@1/2 cups sugar
zest of 2 lemons
4 x size 6 (medium) eggs 
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (at room temperature)

Preheat the oven to 160ºC (fan-bake). Prepare a 24cm loose-bottomedcake tin by lining the base with baking paper, brushing the sides with butter and dredging lightly with flour.

To make the cake, cream the butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together, and fold carefully into the egg mixture. Add the milk and stir in gently. Pile the mixture into the preparedcake tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cake shrinks from the sides of the tin. This can also be made in 6 small loaf tins which would be baked for about 25 minutes.

For the topping
1/2 cup caster sugar
juice of 2 lemons
4 tablespoons gin

While the cake is cooking, prepare the topping and the decoration. To make the topping, stir the caster sugar, lemon juice and gin together. 

For the decoration
1 small lemon
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water 

To make the decoration, slice the lemon finely. Melt the sugar in the water, bring to a simmer and gently poach the lemon slices for 10 minutes. Remove slices to drain. When the cake is removed from the oven, pour topping mixture over the hot cake. Add the lemon slices around the edge of the top of the cake and allow to cool.