Description
Silky smooth lemon custard cake whispers sweet comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Creamy layers melt on your tongue, delivering sunshine-bright citrus joy in each tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (separated)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, spraying sides with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully separate 4 large eggs, placing whites in one mixing bowl and yolks in another separate bowl.
- Sprinkle ½ tsp cream of tartar into egg whites and whip them until they form stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
- Combine egg yolks with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, whisking for 1 minute until the mixture turns pale yellow.
- Pour 2 cups room temperature milk, ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest into the yolk mixture, stirring until completely blended.
- Add 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour to the liquid ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
- Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, ensuring no white streaks remain while maintaining the mixture’s airiness.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly and ensuring smooth surface.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a center that remains slightly wobbly when the pan is gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Dust the top generously with powdered sugar just before serving to create a delicate, sweet finish.
Notes
- Separating eggs carefully helps create the perfect light, airy texture in this delicate cake.
- Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks is crucial for achieving the cake’s signature fluffy consistency.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that makes this dessert shine.
- Allow the cake to cool completely to help it set and develop its unique custard-like layer at the bottom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 94 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg