Follow these steps for perfect results
eggs
separated, room temperature
sugar
flour
baking powder
lemon extract
cream of tartar
egg yolks
sugar
flour
milk
lemon peel
vanilla
blanched almonds
toasted and chopped
unsweetened cocoa
rum
orange-flavored liqueur
ladyfingers
halved vertically
blanched almonds
Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl beat egg yolks until light. Beat in 1/2 cup sugar until mixture forms ribbons.
Sift flour with baking powder and then fold it into batter in 3 batches.
Stir in lemon extract (or vanilla).
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Beat in 1/4 cup sugar until peaks are stiff.
Fold egg white mixture into egg yolk/flour mixture.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and tester comes out clean.
Invert onto rack cool but do not remove pan until cooled.
Run a knife around edge of cake and invert cake onto platter.
To make custard: in a saucepan whisk together yolks, sugar and flour until smooth.
Whisk in milk. Stir in lemon peel.
Stir over medium low heat until mixture boils.
Pour into glass or plastic bowl, discarding lemon peel. Stir in vanilla. Cool.
Divide custard among three bowls. In one bowl stir in chopped almonds. In the second bowl stir in cocoa powder. The third is left plain.
Cut cake horizontally into three layers using a serrated knife.
Set one layer on platter and sprinkle with rum and spread with the almond custard.
Top with second layer. Sprinkle with rum and spread with plain custard.
Top with final layer. Sprinkle with orange liqueur (or juice) and spread top and sides with cocoa custard, smoothing evenly.
Sprinkle flat side of ladyfingers with rum or orange liquor (or juice) and press ladyfingers around cake, rounded side out.
Decorate with 2 almonds on top of cake.
Expert advice for the best results
Make sure eggs are at room temperature for optimal volume.
Do not overbake the sponge cake for best results.
Use high-quality cocoa for a richer flavor.
Everything you need to know before you start
20 minutes
Can be made one day in advance.
Dust with cocoa powder and arrange a few ladyfingers artfully.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Balances the sweetness.
Enhances the dessert flavors.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Celebratory Dessert
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