1810 Lemon Sponge Cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Move the top rack to the middle position. Butter a 10-inch (or larger) bundt or tube pan.

In a bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

In another large bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, rose water, and sugar and whisk to combine well. Gently whisk the yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites. Add the flour and blend in until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to level the mixture. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Expect the cake to rise above the top of the pan.

Cool the cake in the pan on a rack. Loosen the sides, if necessary, and unmold.