Lemon Custard Cake - soft and creamy (2024)

If you’re craving a light and lemony dessert, thisLEMON CUSTARD CAKEis for you.

There’s something quite special about thislemon cakerecipe. Sometimes referred to as lemonmagic cake,magic custard cakeor lemon pudding cake, it has a memorably soft, custard-like texture. The “magic” happens during thebaking process,when layers form and yield a lightfluffy cakewith a lemon flavour that is neither overly tangy nor punchy. ThisLEMON CUSTARD CAKEis light on both the tongue and tummy.

Now, if lemonrecipesare your thing, you’ve come to the right place. For those with a taste for something savoury, try this LEMONY LENTIL SOUP or a classic AVGOLEMONO SOUP. Need a main course idea with big, bold flavouring? Make our TANGY LEMON CHICKEN or our LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP. If sweet is the treat you’re craving, then thisLEMON CURD-filled JELLY ROLL CAKE or these glorious LEMON SQUARES are just the thing. Enjoy!

Let’s get back to this feature. Here’s the deal on ourLEMON CUSTARD CAKE:

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INGREDIENTS

Who knew that only seveningredientsstand between you and a seriously scrumptiousdessert? The photo might appear as though there are eight, but that’s thefresh lemon juicemaking two appearances, once during the mixing of thebatter, then again in a smallerteaspoonportion that gets whipped in with theegg whites. All of theingredientsare readily available at your local grocer.

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EQUIPMENT

Unlike our famous CARROT CAKErecipe, you’ll need more than alarge bowland wooden spoon to make thisdessert. Have a couplebowls on hand, along with a microplane or zester, a citrus juicer, a square metalbaking dish, a spatula and a hand mixer with beaters or awhisk attachmentat the ready. For those wondering, of course, you can prepare thebatterusing a stand mixer too. Our only concern is that thebowl of a stand mixermight not allow you to gentlyfoldin theegg whites.

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LEMONS

We often think of lemons as the superstar of the citrus family. Some experts refer to them as the healthiest food in the world, getting top marks for being high in fibre plus important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B6, potassium and antioxidant flavonoids. You’ll need two or three lemons for thisrecipe,and you can use popular varieties such as Eureka,Meyer lemon, Lisbon and Eureka Pinks. Pro tip: wash the lemons before extracting thelemon zestusing a microplane or box grater.

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EGG WHITES

Here are a few tried-and-true tips on whippingegg whitesfor this cakerecipe. First, follow our direction and have youreggsatroom temperaturebefore you begin. This ensures the whites will expand when whipped. Second tipis to ensure absolutely noeggyolks makes it into theeggwhitebowl. Even the tiniest bit ofegg yolkwill prevent the whites from whipping up properly. Lastly, we add ateaspoonoflemon juice(mentioned above) to the whites. The acid of thelemon juicestabilizes the cross-linking of the proteins, meaning youregg whiteswill become firmer and formstiff peaks.

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LINEDBAKINGPAN

Once you finish preparing thelemon cakebatter, simply pour themixtureinto the square metalbakingpanthat has been greased and lined withparchment paper. This treatment will prevent the finished cake from sticking to thepan. Make sure to watch the VIDEO crafted for this post where we share a nifty trick on how to easily line apan, first shared with us by expert baker anddessertmaker ANNA OLSON. Thanks, Anna!

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BAKE

There are no complicatedbakinginstructions for thisLEMON CUSTARD CAKE. One thing worth mentioning, we’ve listed thebaketime as between 45 – 50 minutestotal time, depending on youroven. Check your cake at the 45-minute mark; the centre should be set and a bit spongy when pressed with a finger. It’s okay if the top is golden since we’ll be adding adustingof icing sugar to hide any blemishes or spots where bits ofeggwhite appear. Very important: cool the cake for at least 30 minutes before gently lifting it out of thebakingpan.

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GARNISHES

Please promise you won’t miss the opportunity to elevate the presentation of thisdessert from simple to amazing. How complicated is it? Not at all! Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar, whip up some 35% or whippingcreamand have fresh mint and a few freshly picked berries washed and ready for garnish. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even blackberries will all work perfectly.

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ICING SUGAR

Adding adustingof icing sugar, AKA powdered sugar, across the top does wonders to give this lovely cake a bit of glam. I always add it by placing a bit of sugar into a small, fine sieve and tapping it with a small spoon to create an even sprinkle.

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SERVE

Part of the charm of this beautiful cake is how less is more. We cut the cake into 16 squares, although 12 squares will work too. This smaller portion size entices one to savour and enjoy every bite.

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This wonderful homemadelemon cakerecipeis so scrumptious, we suggest youPINit to a favouritedessertor baked goods board onPINTERESTorBOOKMARKthis tab for easy access.SHAREit with friends so they can make it too. We’d also appreciate seeing pics of all the delicious dishes you’re making these days. Use#weekendatthecottagewhen you post those pics onFacebookandInstagram. Thanks!

Enjoy this flavourfulLEMON CUSTARD CAKE!

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Ingredients

  • For the cake:
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, lukewarm
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • To serve:
  • icing sugar
  • whipped cream
  • fresh berries - raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries
  • fresh mint

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Grease a 9 x 9-inch square metal baking pan. Line with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Separate eggs: Place egg whites into a medium-sized bowl. Place egg yolks into a larger bowl.
  4. Beat egg whites: Add teaspoon of lemon juice to egg whites and whip to form stiff peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set whipped egg whites aside.
  5. Prepare batter: Add sugar to egg yolks and combine using hand mixer. Add melted butter, lemon zest and lemon juice and beat until combined. Slowly add flour, mixing well. Add the lukewarm milk slowly and combine thoroughly.
  6. Gently fold in the egg whites, ⅓ of them at a time. Make sure there are no lumps. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Note: this is a very runny batter.
  7. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the centre of the cake is slightly spongey to the touch.
  8. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes before gently lifting the cake from the pan.
  9. To serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries and fresh mint.

Related by Recipe Type

  • Desserts

Related by Ingredient

  • 35% Cream
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Fresh Berries
  • Fresh Mint
  • Granulated Sugar
  • hom*ogenized Milk
  • Icing Sugar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon Zest
  • Unbleached Flour

For More Great Ideas Visit:

Lemon Custard Cake - soft and creamy (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my lemon curd thicken? ›

Trouble shooting: Most Lemon Curds are runny because they don't get cooked long enough, to 170 degrees F, to thicken the egg yolks – so cook on! If your curd isn't thickened after 10 minutes, or up to 15 if using a double boiler, then increase the temperature of the stove slightly – and don't stop whisking!

How to fix curdled lemon curd? ›

Gently heat the curdled mixture over low to medium heat in a saucepan. Keep stirring continuously to avoid further curdling and to help the ingredients re-emulsify.

What is the difference between lemon pudding and lemon curd? ›

While curd resembles pudding or custard, the difference lies in the way it's thickened. Custards and puddings rely on cornstarch, milk and cream, while eggs are the primary thickener for curd, making it lighter and brighter.

Why is my lemon curd not yellow? ›

Use Sufficient Egg Yolks

Lemon curd has traces of yellow in it naturally, but its striking golden colour comes from the yolks. Also, incorporating whole eggs is not preferred since the egg whites cause the lemon curd to become lighter.

What happens if you overcook lemon curd? ›

Overcooking will cause proteins to bond too tightly, squeezing water out from between them and giving them a rubbery, lumpy texture. If you over-heat the lemon curd, the egg proteins can coagulate and you will see little bits of cooked egg.

How do you add curd to thicken it? ›

Simply add a small amount of yogurt, like a spoonful, at a time. Stir your yogurt into the curry and keep adding a little more at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. This is great for Indian-style curries as a cream substitute.

How do you fix curdled curd? ›

Once curdled it is hard to fix. However, whisking the sauce to beat up the curds, add some cream and flour can effectively hide the curdle and get it to the point of being acceptable. Corn starch, well whisked in, is also very effective and might give less of an off taste.

How do you reverse curdled cream? ›

The good news is that you can rescue it with our handy tip. Simply add a tablespoon or two of cold milk to the cream and whisk again to return the cream to the perfect texture.

Can you fix grainy lemon curd? ›

To fix it, remove it from heat and quickly transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

Can you buy lemon curd in the grocery store? ›

It's kept in jars and sold in the jam aisle of the supermarket. Yet technically, lemon curd is more of a thick custard than a traditional preserve.

What is a substitute for lemon curd? ›

If you don't want to use lemon curd then we would suggest using an alternative flavour of fruit curd. We have seen passionfruit, rhubarb and tart orange (or Seville orange) curds being sold online in the UK. All of these flavours would go well with summer berries.

Is lemon creme the same as lemon curd? ›

Adding the butter after the cooked eggs, juice and sugar have cooled significantly is what sets lemon cream apart from lemon curd, in which everything is cooked together. The flavor is quite similar, but the textures of the two couldn't be less alike.

Can you fix runny lemon curd? ›

Problem: My Lemon Curd is Too Runny

The curd wasn't cooked long enough to allow the egg to thicken, or not enough butter was added. How to fix it: To thicken runny lemon curd, put the curd back into your saucepan, place over the lowest possible heat, and stir constantly.

What consistency should lemon curd be? ›

I cook mine for about 2 minutes because I like thick lemon curd. Test the thickness by dipping the back of a spoon into your lemon curd and drag your finger across it. If it holds the shape without dripping off too quickly, it's done!

Why does my lemon curd taste like egg? ›

If you just place all the ingredients in a saucepan without beating the butter and sugar with the eggs first, the curd tends to taste eggy. Add the lemon juice and tablespoons of lemon zest and mix. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan with a heavy bottom.

Why is my curd thin? ›

The temperature is too low. If the temp is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the cultures will not ferment properly and the milk will stay runny. The temperature is too high. If the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the yogurt will ferment too fast and will also render the yogurt runny.

Does lemon curd set in the fridge? ›

Remove from heat and pass through a mesh strainer set over a bowl to remove the zest and any egg clumps. Place plastic wrap directly on top of the curd and let set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Why won t my orange curd thicken? ›

You need to keep a low heat and stir constatntly. The time it takes for the curd to thicken can vary accoding to the size of the pan and the heat used. To test if the curd is cooked properly, dip a spoon into the mixture then run your finger through the mixture on the back of the spoon.

How to know if curd is set? ›

In a warm, hot and humid climate, the time taken for the curd to set will be 4 to 7 hours. Whereas in a cool or cold climate, the time taken can be 8 to 12 hours. Nowadays, I also set the curd in the Instant Pot using the yogurt function. So if you have an Instant Pot, read the instructions to set the curd in it.

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