Description
This Lemon Custard Cake is a magical, layered dessert that delivers the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet creaminess. It transforms a simple batter into a three-layered delight: a light sponge top, silky custard center, and a dense base. Perfect for any time of year, it makes a great addition to your quick breakfast options, elegant dinner ideas, or sweet treat line-up. With easy preparation and a beautiful presentation, this easy recipe checks all the boxes for food ideas you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 3/4 cups whole milk, lukewarm
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and optionally line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Separate the eggs carefully into yolks and whites.
3. Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Mix in the melted butter and lemon zest until well combined.
5. Sift in the flour and mix just until incorporated.
6. Gradually add lemon juice, then milk, mixing gently; the batter will be very thin.
7. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with salt to stiff peaks.
8. Gently fold egg whites into the lemon batter in three batches.
9. Pour into baking dish and smooth the top.
10. Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden on top and slightly jiggly in the center.
11. Let it cool fully, then chill for 2 hours before slicing.
12. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Notes
Ensure ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
Don’t panic if the batter is thin—that’s exactly how it should be.
The cake slices best when fully chilled; let it set overnight for ideal results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon custard cake, easy lemon dessert, magic cake, custard cake, quick dessert