Lemon Custard Cake Recipe

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🍋 Lemon Custard Cake Recipe

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
  • ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    • Preheat to 325°F (160°C).
    • Lightly butter or spray a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish or similar deep dish.
  2. Separate the eggs
    • Place egg yolks in one bowl and whites in another.
    • Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Make the lemon base
    • In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until creamy and pale.
    • Add melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice; whisk until smooth.
    • Gently whisk in the flour until combined.
  4. Add the milk
    • Gradually whisk in the lukewarm milk until the batter is thin and smooth.
    • The mixture will be quite runny — that’s correct!
  5. Fold in the egg whites
    • Add the beaten egg whites to the lemon batter in three parts.
    • Gently fold (don’t overmix) — it’s fine if some small lumps of egg white remain.
  6. Bake the cake
    • Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
    • Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides (a water bath helps form the custard layer).
    • Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and just set in the center.
  7. Cool and serve
    • Remove from the oven and water bath.
    • Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
    • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Serving Ideas

🍰 Serve chilled or at room temperature.
🍓 Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries on top.
☕ Perfect with tea or coffee.

Tips for Success

✅ Use fresh lemon juice — bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
✅ Don’t skip the water bath; it ensures the custard sets without curdling.
✅ The cake firms up more as it cools, so give it time to rest before slicing.

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