Lemon Zest Cupcakes (a la Julia Child)

June 30th, 2010 by justJENN

You can’t go wrong with Julia Child. I watch her old shows on dvd and peruse her books constantly. The book: Baking with Julia has some really great easy recipes.

I saw her “Lemon Loaf Cake” and adapted it to cupcake form – a really easy way to get individual servings. This cake is so flavorful and so much like a pound cake, but light at the same time. Don’t believe me – try it and you’ll find it just melts in your mouth. Best of all? You can make it all by hand in one bowl – no need for a mixer!

ingredients:
4 eggs
1-1/3 cups sugar
pinch of salt
zest of 3 lemons
1-3/4 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
5-1/2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prep a cupcake pan with liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar and salt – just until foamy, don’t over do it.

Now add the lemon zest. It’s amazing how flavorful these are considering there is no lemon juice, just the zest. It really pulls this whole cake together.

Spoon the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, whisking slightly until combined.

Whisk in the heavy cream, then fold in the melted butter.

Spoon the batter into the prepped cupcake pan. Bake for 20+/- minutes depending on your oven. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Let cool on a wire rack.

While I have frosted these, there is really no need – they are great on their own. Or maybe just sift a little powdered sugar on top to show people how fancy you are.