Introduction
Transform simple ingredients into a burst of sunshine with our Lemon Custard Cake! This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself. It’s easier than you think to bake a show-stopping dessert that tastes as amazing as it looks. Get ready to be amazed!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it balances the tangy zest of fresh lemons with the creamy richness of a homemade custard. The layers are simple to assemble, making it a perfect dessert for even beginner bakers. Plus, the fresh lemon flavor is irresistible and always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients
🍋 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥚 4 large eggs
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
🍋 1 cup fresh lemon juice
🍋 Zest of 2 lemons
🥛 1 cup milk
🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🍮 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (🧈) and granulated sugar (🍯) until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer!
3️⃣ Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs (🥚) one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4️⃣ Lemon Zest & Juice: Stir in the lemon zest (🍋) and lemon juice (🍋). The bright, sunny flavor is about to shine!
5️⃣ Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (🍋), baking powder (🥄), baking soda (🥄), and salt (🧂).
6️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk (🥛), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
7️⃣ Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor!
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your cake might be tough.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting – this prevents the frosting from melting.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t over-brown. If your oven runs hot, you might need to reduce the temperature slightly and check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Crunch Factor
This cake is wonderfully moist and tender, not crunchy. The delightful contrast comes from the bright, zesty lemon flavor cutting through the rich custard.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra lemony goodness, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the lemon juice.
- To make a super moist cake, brush the cooled layers with a simple lemon syrup (equal parts lemon juice and sugar, heated until dissolved) before frosting.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake layers individually in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake makes a beautiful gift! Present it in a pretty cake box tied with a ribbon, or individual slices wrapped in cellophane with a lemon-themed tag.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Raspberry Lemon: Add 1 cup of fresh raspberries to the batter.
🌟 Blueberry Lemon: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter.
🌟 Coconut Lemon: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
🌟 Lavender Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is too dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Cake is too dense: You may have overmixed the batter. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Cake is unevenly baked: Make sure your oven rack is in the center of the oven and that your oven temperature is accurate.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice? A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for the brightest flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! Bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them as directed. Frost them just before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of pan? A: You can use other types of pans, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this delightful Lemon Custard Cake! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Share your creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipesLemonCake – we can’t wait to see your beautiful bakes!