Description
This Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful and zesty dessert featuring a tender, golden cake with a smooth custard-like layer on the bottom. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, it offers a refreshing citrus flavor perfect for any occasion. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking or pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth batter.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with zesty and aromatic flavors.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add milk: Pour in the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish. The batter will be runny, which is expected to achieve the custard-like texture beneath the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. During baking, the cake will develop a custard layer at the bottom.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The batter will be quite runny; this is normal and necessary for the custard-like bottom layer.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor impact in zest and juice.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly to let the custard set before slicing.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American