— A Moist and Fragrant Cake with Candied Lemons —

🇫🇷 Introduction

Gâteau aux Citrons Confits is a stunning lemon cake infused with the vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of citrons confits — candied lemons. This French dessert is a celebration of citrus in its most elegant form: light, moist, and beautifully aromatic. It’s the perfect balance of bright acidity and subtle sweetness, with bursts of caramelized lemon in every bite.

If you love lemon desserts, this cake will quickly become a favorite for tea time, brunch, or even as a refined after-dinner treat.

🍽️ Ingredients (for one 8-inch loaf or round cake)

For the cake:

200g all-purpose flour

150g unsalted butter, softened

120g sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 lemon, zest only

100g candied lemon peels (citrons confits), chopped

60ml milk

Pinch of salt

For the glaze (optional but recommended):

100g powdered sugar

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

đź‘©‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and flour your loaf or round cake tin.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk.

Gently fold in the chopped candied lemon peels, making sure they're evenly distributed.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4. Prepare and Apply the Glaze (Optional)

Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

While the cake is still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

🍋 Tips for Perfect Gâteau aux Citrons Confits

Candied lemon can be store-bought or homemade (see bonus tip below).

Dice the peels finely to avoid large chunks and ensure even distribution.

This cake improves after a day — the flavors intensify beautifully!

You can add a spoon of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for extra moisture.

🍯 Bonus: Homemade Candied Lemon Peel

If you want to make your own citrons confits:

Slice lemons into thin strips and boil in water for 2 minutes. Drain and repeat 3 times to remove bitterness.

Simmer in a syrup of 1:1 sugar and water for about 40 minutes until translucent.

Let cool in the syrup, then drain and dry before chopping.

☕ Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a hot cup of Earl Grey or green tea.

Top with a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for extra indulgence.

Add a garnish of candied lemon spiral for presentation.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

✅ Moist and aromatic
✅ Tangy yet sweet
✅ Perfect balance of soft crumb and chewy lemon bits
✅ A beautiful twist on a classic lemon cake

đź“ť Final Thoughts

Gâteau aux Citrons Confits is a cake that feels both rustic and elegant — a taste of the sun-drenched Mediterranean with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your love for citrus, this cake is sure to shine.

Bon appétit! 🍋🇫🇷