Author Notes
I wanted something that reminded me a favorite candy from my childhood, Lemonheads and this works really well. The lemon slices, which wind up being like a slice of marmalade, contrast nicely with the sweetness of the icing. The cake, because of the bean flour, is very moist, much like a lot of Hostess cakes, but be forewarned when you dip your finger into the batter and taste, it will taste raw and vegetal. Not to worry once it cooks it cleans up nicely and tastes amazing and wonderful. This recipe is based on the classic Texas sheet cakes of my youth. They traditionally come in the form of chocolate or white cake and this is nothing more than a gluten free variation of the white cake. It would not be complicated to make the cake with wheat flour if you so choose. —thirschfeld
Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
- Candied Lemon Slices
-
13
1/8-inch lemon slices, seeds gently removed
-
1 cup
sugar
-
1 cup
water
-
strips of zest from 2 lemons
- Sheet Cake
-
1 cup
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour Mix
-
3/4 cup
sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon
xanthan gum
-
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
-
2 tablespoons
candied zest, minced
-
1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
-
2
sticks of unsalted butter, each gently melted in its own bowl and kept warm, plus more for greasing the pan
-
3 tablespoons
powdered dry milk
-
2
large eggs, room temperature
-
3/4 cup
whole milk, warm
-
1/2 teaspoon
pure lemon extract
-
1/2 teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
-
8 ounces
powdered sugar
-
3 tablespoons
heavy cream
Directions
-
Pour the sugar into a saute pan large enough to hold the lemons in a single layer. Place the lemons and zest in a single layer on top and then add the water. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.
-
Simmer the lemon slices until the sugar syrup has reduced by half or more and the pith and rind of the lemon appear transparent. Carefully remove the slices and zest to a piece of parchment being sure not to let the pieces overlap. Let them cool.
-
Grease a quarter size sheet tray (9 x 13 inches) with butter. To make the cake heat the oven to 375 ? F. Combine the flour, dry milk powder, sugar, xanthan gum, baking soda, minced candied zest, and salt. Combine half the melted butter with the eggs, milk, and extracts. While whisking add the dry to the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet tray. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed so it rises evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
-
While the cake is baking, make the icing. Combine the powdered sugar, cream, and remainder of the warm butter in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth. Keep the icing luke warm.
-
When the cake has finished baking remove it from the oven and let it cool right in the sheet pan for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off pour the warm icing over the top and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Lay on the slices of lemon and let the cake cool. Refrigerate or serve cold.
See what other Food52ers are saying.