Description
This Lemon Crepe Cake, inspired by the traditional Basbousa, features delicate, thin crepes layered generously with a fragrant lemon syrup infused with hints of orange blossom water. Each crepe is cooked to a light golden perfection and brushed with a zesty syrup, then stacked and chilled to meld the flavors beautifully. The cake is elegantly garnished with chopped pistachios, fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, and a dusting of powdered sugar, making it a refreshing and visually stunning dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
Garnishes
- Pistachios, chopped
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly blended. This will create a smooth base for the crepe batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the milk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix to keep the crepes tender.
- Rest the Batter: Cover the batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more delicate crepes.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a lightly oiled 8-inch crepe pan or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This ensures even cooking without sticking.
- Pour the Batter: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly across the surface.
- Cook Each Side: Let the crepe cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds.
- Stack the Crepes: Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes as you go. Cover the stack to keep them from drying out.
- Combine Ingredients for Syrup: In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest together.
- Simmer the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly and the flavors intensify.
- Add Orange Blossom Water: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the orange blossom water if using. Allow the syrup to cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Base: Place one crepe on a serving plate or cake stand to start the cake assembly.
- Soak with Syrup: Generously brush the crepe with the lemon syrup, ensuring it absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Layer and Repeat: Continue layering crepes on top of each other, brushing each layer with syrup until all crepes are stacked and soaked.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the assembled cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling allows the crepes to soak fully and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish the Cake: Just before serving, decorate the top with chopped pistachios, lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into wedges and serve chilled for a refreshing and elegant dessert experience.
Notes
- Resting the batter is essential to achieve tender crepes; do not skip this step.
- If orange blossom water is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of rose water for a different floral note.
- Use a non-stick pan and light oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
- The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.