Sansa’s Lemon Cakes | Game of Thrones Inspired Recipes

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sansas lemon cakes

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Anyone who’s watched “Game of Thrones” knows that when Sansa Stark finds solace in something, it’s worth giving it a try. Remember when Sansa is in King’s Landing, navigating the tumultuous politics and dangerous plots?

One of her simple joys is a plate of lemon cakes, usually served by her handmaiden, Shae. Even Tyrion Lannister couldn’t resist sending some lemon cakes her way alongside that pigeon pie during their wedding feast!

game of thrones tyrion and sansa

A Dessert Worthy of Sansa Stark

The batter we’re working with is unapologetically sweet. And with zesty kicks from lemon and buttermilk, I can understand why Sansa couldn’t resist these cakes. The sour notes of lemon are perfectly balanced by the creamy tanginess of buttermilk, making this cake fit for the nobility of Westeros.

ingredients for lemon cakes

Here’s What You Need

  • Flour: Provides the structure for the cake, giving it a firm but fluffy texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness. Helps in the browning process.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, helping the batter hold together, while adding moisture.
  • Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the gluten, making the cake softer.
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, enhancing its flavor.
  • Lemons: Adds a zesty, citrusy flavor; the zest and juice are used for both the batter and glaze.
  • Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide gas.
  • Baking Powder: Another leavening agent that works with baking soda to give the cake a lift.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the lemony tang.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze for sweetness and smoothness, making it easier to drizzle or spread.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the glaze a creamy, rich texture and dilutes the powdered sugar.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, a little goes a long way.
mixing batter

Let’s Cook!

First, we’ll bring together the wet ingredients and sugar until they’re light and frothy. You want it to be the consistency of Jaime Lannister’s charm—smooth and engaging. Now, it’s time for some lemon zest. This is the secret weapon that makes these cakes worthy of a Stark.

zest in batter

Creating the Perfect Batter

Start incorporating the flour slowly into the mix. Be mindful not to overmix; we don’t want to “Red Wedding” our batter by driving all the air out of it. Gently fold in the flour until it’s just incorporated. If you’re feeling artistic, you could set aside a few tablespoons of the batter and add food coloring to create little designs at the bottom of each cupcake. I made mini purple flowers with green stems, giving each cupcake a hidden garden of its own!

cupcake batter

Time to Bake!

Pour the batter in 1/3 cup portions into a buttered and floured cupcake tin. Set your oven to medieval hot—just kidding, aim for 350°F—and bake. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which should be about 25-35 minutes. The cupcakes should have a golden brown top that’s just beginning to show signs of cracking, like the Wall in the North.

baked cupcakes

Glazing and Finishing Touches

Cool the cake completely—this is a dish best served cold, like Arya Stark’s revenge. When the cake is cooled, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until a thick glaze forms. Spread or drizzle this “Iron Throne-worthy” glaze across the tops of the cakes.

cupcakes with lemon drizzle

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

  • Measuring Flour: For the most accurate results, weigh your flour or use the spoon and level method.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature.
  • Zesting Lemons: Zest before juicing for more zest and less hassle.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
  • Preheat the Oven: Consistent temperature is key for even rising.
  • Baking Times: Use the toothpick test, not just the clock, to check doneness.
  • Cool Before Glazing: Wait until cakes are cool before glazing.
  • Customizing the Glaze: Adjust the glaze’s thickness by adding more lemon juice or cream if needed.
  • Storing Leftovers: Use an airtight container to keep cakes moist.
  • High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce leavening agents and increase liquids if you’re up high.
sansa lemon cake

And just like that, you’re ready to serve up a feast that even the nobles of King’s Landing would envy. These Sansa-inspired lemon cakes are not only a hit at weddings (hopefully happier ones than we’ve seen on the show!), but they’re also perfect for satisfying your sweet-tooth cravings during a Game of Thrones binge-watch session.

Trust me, these cakes are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So go on, channel your inner Sansa Stark, and enjoy these citrusy delights right by your own sea or garden—just maybe skip the purple attire.

Sansa’s Lemon Cakes | Game of Thrones Inspired Recipes

The Starving Chef
These lemon cakes offer a tangy, sweet bite that transports your taste buds straight to the royal courts of Westeros.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Game of Thrones
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 ½ cups sugar
  • 4 eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 8 tablespoons butter room temperature
  • 2 lemons zested & juiced
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and the juice of one lemon (about 3 tablespoons) until light and frothy. Stir in the eggs, one at a time.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. The batter should be thick, but still fairly fluffy.
  • Butter and flour-dust your desired baking tin. Pour the batter so that it fills each liner about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 25-35 minutes if using cupcake tins or 35-45 minutes if using a cake tin. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the tops and sides of the cake are browned and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
  • Cool the cake completely. When the cake is cooled, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until a thick glaze forms. Spread or drizzle the glaze across the tops of the cakes.
  • Serve room temperature or chilled. Store in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy!
Keyword cupcakes, Game of Thrones, lemon
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