Lemon Cake with Irish Breakfast Tea Frosting

  • Prep 25 min
  • Total 1 hr 25 min
  • Servings 20

Ingredients

Lemon Cake

Irish Breakfast Tea Frosting

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tea bags Irish breakfast tea
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg whites
  • Lemon slices or wedges, if desired

Steps

  • 1
    Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of one 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with shortening (do not use cooking spray). Place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups.
  • 2
    Make cake batter as directed on box; stir in lemon peel. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full of batter; pour remaining batter into pan.
  • 3
    Bake round pan 28 to 33 minutes, cupcakes 15 to 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • 4
    Meanwhile, place 1/2 cup water in microwavable 1-cup glass measuring cup. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds or until hot. Add tea bags; steep 6 to 7 minutes for strong brewed tea. Remove and discard tea bags.
  • 5
    Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar, cream of tartar, brewed tea and salt. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Boil 3 to 5 minutes to 242°F on candy thermometer.
  • 6
    In large bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer on high speed until foamy and thick (they should mound but not peak). Slowly pour in boiling sugar syrup in a slow stream. Continue to beat on high speed about 7 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
  • 7
    Cut cake layer in half horizontally to make 2 thin cake layers. Place one layer on serving plate. Spread with about 3/4 cup of the frosting. Top with remaining cake layer; spread with about 3/4 cup of the frosting. Frost cupcakes with remaining frosting. Garnish with lemon slices.

  • Don’t need the cakes now? Bake and cool the cakes for another time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • For a fun twist, try topping the cake with candied lemon slices: In 2-quart saucepan, heat 2 inches water to boiling. Cut a lemon into 8 thin slices; remove seeds. Boil slices in water 1 minute; immediately remove slices and place in bowl filled with ice water. Let stand 1 minute; drain. In 8-inch skillet, heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to simmering over medium heat; place slices in single layer on syrup mixture. Simmer (do not boil) about 45 minutes or until white part of peel is translucent. On cookie sheet lined with cooking parchment paper, place slices; let stand about 20 minutes or until cool.

Nutrition Facts are not available for this recipe
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