Description
Lemon Custard Cake is a quick and easy dessert recipe with a soft cake top, creamy custard center, and refreshing lemon flavor. It is perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or a light homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from 2 large lemons
- 1 3/4 cups lukewarm milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides, then lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in one clean bowl and the yolks in another.
- Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then set them aside.
- Beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow and slightly thick.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix until evenly combined.
- Mix in the flour until fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then mix until combined.
- Slowly beat in the lukewarm milk until the batter looks smooth and very thin.
- Add the whipped egg whites and whisk by hand. Do not fully fold them in; leave small egg white lumps so they float to the top and create the cake layer.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, checking after 35 minutes. The center should barely jiggle, and the top should feel firm to the touch.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Cool the cake completely, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The batter will be very thin, which is normal for Lemon Custard Cake.
- Do not overbake the cake, or the custard layer may turn rubbery.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner pieces and a creamier texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 95