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Lemon Custard Cake That Melts in Your Mouth


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Light, bright, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this Lemon Custard Cake is the ultimate dessert for citrus lovers. With its triple-layer magic — a fluffy sponge top, creamy lemon custard center, and soft buttery base — it’s as elegant as it is effortless. This easy recipe is perfect for quick breakfast treats, easy dinner desserts, or a refreshing addition to your collection of healthy snack and breakfast ideas. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a sweet lemony dream everyone will love.


Ingredients

4 large eggs, separated

150g granulated sugar

1 tablespoon water

113g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

95g all-purpose flour

Zest of 2 lemons

80ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

500ml whole milk, lukewarm

1 pinch salt

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Lemon slices and mint leaves, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

1. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Separate egg whites from yolks. Beat the whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

3. In another bowl, beat the yolks with sugar and water until pale and fluffy.

4. Mix in melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.

5. Sift in the flour and fold gently until smooth.

6. Slowly whisk in the lukewarm milk. The batter will be thin.

7. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites in 3 parts. Small lumps are okay.

8. Pour batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.

9. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center slightly jiggly.

10. Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.

11. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon and mint before serving.

Notes

Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.

The batter will be thin — this is key for forming the custard layer.

Chill thoroughly before slicing to help the custard set and clean cuts.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: lemon custard cake, easy dessert, lemon cake, quick cake, custard dessert, breakfast ideas, healthy snack, easy recipe