Bica mantecada with AIRA clarified butter

Preparation time: 70–75 min Baking time: 45–50 min Serves:10

Ingredients for the starter

• 250 g strong bread flour
• 150 ml water
• 2 g fresh baker’s yeast
• 1 pinch of salt

Ingredients for the bica mantecada batter

• 200 g AIRA clarified butter
• 400 g sugar
• 250 g prepared starter
• 6 eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 250 g plain wheat flour
• 50 g sugar + 1 pinch of cinnamon, for sprinkling

Step by step

1. Mix all the starter ingredients together to form a dough. Cover with cling film and leave to rest.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
3. Break the starter into small pieces and add them to the mixture. Using the mixer’s dough hooks to prevent lumps from forming, add the eggs one at a time.
4. Add the lemon zest and flour, and mix until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter.
5. Pour the batter into a baking tin lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
   Bake for 45–50 minutes, then leave to cool.