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Lemon Custard Cake Recipe


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3.9 from 50 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Lemon Custard Cake is a light, tangy, and creamy dessert perfect for lemon lovers. Combining a delicate custard texture with the bright flavors of fresh lemon juice and zest, it’s an elegant yet simple cake that bakes up golden and slightly jiggly in the center. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a refreshing finish to dinner, this cake can be enjoyed warm or chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar.


Ingredients

Custard Base

  • 3 eggs (separated)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • A pinch of salt

Finishing

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)


Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Set this aside carefully, as these whipped whites will lighten the custard batter.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
  5. Whisk in the Milk: Slowly pour the whole milk into the batter, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, very thin batter. This thinness is essential for the custard texture.
  6. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula. The mixture will be somewhat lumpy; do not overmix to preserve the fluffiness.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The cake should turn golden on top and remain slightly jiggly in the center when done.
  8. Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes to let the custard set properly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve either warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Notes

  • For best results, use whole milk to achieve a richer custard texture.
  • The batter is intentionally thin; do not be alarmed by the consistency before baking.
  • Be sure to fold the egg whites gently to keep the cake light and airy.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and served chilled the next day.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American