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Lemon Custard Cake

A light and fluffy dessert packed with zesty lemon flavor and a silky custard finish, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large zest of one lemon
For the Custard
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • A pinch of salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-inch round cake pan or use non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Stir in the lemon zest.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Custard Preparation
  1. While the cake is baking, combine egg yolks, sugar, milk, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir constantly for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  3. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Serving
  1. When the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  2. Once cool, slice the cake and drizzle the homemade custard on top.

Notes

This cake tastes even better the next day! Feel free to bake it in advance and save the custard for a fresh pour just before serving. For an extra lemony punch, add more lemon zest into the batter. If your custard looks lumpy, give it a good whisk!