Description
A light and airy lemon custard cake that perfectly balances zesty citrus flavors with comforting sweetness. This easy-to-prepare cake is ideal for pleasing everyone at your table and is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2/3 cup (80g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the separated egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy.
- Mix in the melted butter, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, and gently mix until just combined.
- Gradually whisk in the room temperature whole milk until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lemon batter in three additions, being careful to maintain their airiness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is just set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice for the best flavor.
- The cake will puff up while baking and deflate slightly as it cools.
- This cake can be served warm or chilled.
- Ensure egg whites are completely free of yolk for proper whipping.
- Be gentle when folding egg whites to maintain fluffiness.
- Test the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg