Can I Make The Lemon Polenta Cake Into A Two Layer Cake?

Our answer

Nigella's Lemon Polenta Cake (from KITCHEN) is a popular cake as it is not only gluten-free but also moist, crumbly and zesty. The recipe makes a 23cm (9-inch) single layer cake. The main problem with trying to make this cake as a layer cake is that as it is gluten free it is quite delicate and can be difficult to move around and stack. There is a risk that the top layer in particular breaks up as you try to put it on top of the bottom layer. As the cake also tends to sink slightly in the centre, a layer cake version could also sag a little. It could also be difficult to cut the cake cleanly as it is quite crumbly. So it is not a recipe that we would particularly recommend making as a layer cake. However, if you wish to try despite this, then it is probably easiest to bake two of the cakes and sandwich them together. If the top breaks up then you may able to patch it together with some of the frosting and cover the cracks in the top with frosting.

You may also like to try Nigella's Lemon Meringue Cake, if the cake doesn't have to be gluten free. This is an impressive layer cake with a lemon curd and whipped cream filling. If the cake is for a baby shower then we would suggest using store-bought lemon curd, but if the curd is too sweet then you can stir in a little extra fresh lemon juice to make it slightly sharper to contrast with the merignue.