Lemon Custard Cake: Light, Luscious, and Full of Sunshine
If you're dreaming of a dessert that's light as air with a creamy, custard-like center and a delicate sponge top, then this Lemon Custard Cake is your sweet slice of sunshine. It’s a magical little recipe where one batter transforms into two distinct layers—fluffy cake on top and a silky lemon custard beneath. Bright, tangy, and sweet, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like spring on a plate.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- A lovely contrast of textures
- Perfect for brunches, showers, or a refreshing after-dinner treat
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups milk (room temperature)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prep your oven and pan:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish. You’ll also need a larger pan for a water bath—this step is key to that dreamy custard layer.
2. Whisk the dry stuff:
In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream it up:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts.
4. Add the sunny stuff:
One at a time, beat in the egg yolks, then stir in lemon juice and zest for that signature bright flavor.
5. Build your batter:
Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture. Go slow—it’s supposed to be thin and smooth.
6. Whip those whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter—it’ll look a bit lumpy and bubbly, and that’s perfect.
7. Into the pan it goes:
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, then carefully place it into a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water to create a gentle water bath.
8. Bake to perfection:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
9. Cool & dust:
Let the cake cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar for that extra touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled or at room temperature, with a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you're feeling extra fancy. It’s also divine with a cup of tea or a glass of chilled rosé.
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
This Lemon Custard Cake is the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is secretly simple. The perfect sweet treat to brighten any day. Let me know if you'd like a printable card or photo layout to match!
