Citrus and almond is a quintessential Mediterranean flavor combination, while the lemon curd filling is a traditional British dessert topping. And as with many Passover desserts, this cake gets its structure from beaten egg whites instead of chemical leaveners. Prepare the curd a day or two ahead of time (leftovers are delicious on ice cream or fruit). You can bake the cake earlier in the day and let it cool on a wire rack, but decorate with the curd and berries just before serving.
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 350°.
Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Dust pan with 2 teaspoons matzo cake meal.
Place the egg yolks in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at high speed for 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until thick and pale (about 1 minute). Add 1/4 cup matzo cake meal, 1 1/2 teaspoons water, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind, fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; beat just until blended. Fold in the almonds.
Place egg whites in a large bowl. Using clean, dry beaters, beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg whites into egg yolk mixture; gently fold in remaining egg whites. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until golden brown and set. Cool for 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Run a knife around edge of cake. Remove cake from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. (Cake will sink in center as it cools.) Spread 1 cup Lemon Curd in center of cake, and top with raspberries. Cut cake into wedges using a serrated knife. Serve immediately.
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