Lemongrass has a delightful lemony aroma with floral, ginger and mint notes which imparts a subtle, uniquely delicious flavor to this cake. The citrus cream, based on a simple Russian buttercream made with butter and condensed milk, elevates the cake. If you do not have lemongrass stalks, replace with three tablespoons lemongrass paste (suitable for baking).
The Cake 🎥
YOU WILL NEED
VANILLA CAKE MIX
WET INGREDIENTS
3 large eggs (about 189g, weighed with shell)
¾ cup mild extra-virgin olive oil (150g)
2 tablespoons juice and zest from one lime
¾ cup milk or unsweetened coconut milk (180g)
3 lemongrass stalks, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x3-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Lemongrass-Infused Milk: Blend the chopped lemongrass, grated ginger and milk for about one minute. Strain, discarding residues. If necessary, add more milk to obtain ¾ cup infused milk. Set milk aside.
- Beat eggs at high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. With the mixer still running, gradually add the olive oil in a thin drizzle and beat until thick and creamy.
- Add the lemongrass-infused milk, lime zest and juice and the vanilla cake mix. Beat on low speed for one minute until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in baking pan for 5-10 minutes before unmolding.
The Cream
YOU WILL NEED
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter (8oz, 227g)
14-oz can cold condensed milk (396g)
¼ cup lemon curd
½ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Beat softened butter on high speed for about 8 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl down from time to time.
- With the mixer still running on medium-low speed, slowly pour in the condensed milk and add the lemon curd and salt. Beat for about one minute until thick and creamy.
- If the cream separates, chill for about 15 minutes, then beat again on medium-high speed.
- Allow cake to cool completely then frost immediately with the citrus cream.