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Refreshing Italian Lemon Custard Cake Recipe

Refreshing Italian Lemon Custard Cake Recipe
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This Refreshing Italian Lemon Custard Cake combines a bright and zesty lemon flavor with a creamy, silky custard center and a light, tender cake. Perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or special occasions, it features simple ingredients and easy steps to create a dessert that is both indulgent and airy.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Ingredients

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cake Batter Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream

Optional Garnishes

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Thin lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Custard: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place the bowl over simmering water to create a double boiler, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy custard. Remove from heat and gently fold in butter and vanilla extract to enrich the texture and flavor.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift in the flour carefully and mix until just combined to maintain a light texture. Gently fold in a small portion of the lemon custard to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Grease a baking pan and pour half of the cake batter into it. Spoon the remaining lemon custard evenly over this batter layer, then cover with the rest of the batter. This layering creates a custard center inside the cake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to let the custard set perfectly. Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with homemade lemon glaze before slicing for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks zest and aroma.
  • Constant stirring during custard preparation is essential to prevent curdling and achieve smoothness.
  • Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending and better cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the cake batter; fold gently to keep it light and airy.
  • Test the cake with a toothpick early to avoid overbaking and drying out the custard layer.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon custard cake, Italian dessert, lemon cake, creamy custard, citrus dessert, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/refreshing-italian-lemon-custard-cake-recipe/