This Lemon Custard Cake is the kind of dessert that makes any day brighter. With its fluffy, golden cake on top and silky lemon custard on the bottom, every bite feels like sunshine. It’s the perfect treat for cozy weekend baking, family gatherings, or those moments when you want something comforting but still light and refreshing. The magic of this recipe is that the custard forms all on its own as it bakes—no extra steps required, just pure lemony goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally forms two luscious layers: fluffy cake + creamy custard
- Bright, refreshing lemon flavor in every bite
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
- Beautiful and impressive, yet surprisingly easy to make
- Delicious served warm or chilled
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps the texture velvety
- Eggs, separated (3 large): Yolks enrich the batter; whipped whites create height and the signature two-layer effect
- Lemon zest (1 tbsp): Packs bright citrus aroma
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/4 cup): Provides tangy flavor and helps the custard set
- Whole milk, warmed (1 cup): Ensures a smooth, pourable batter that forms the custard layer
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure while keeping the cake soft
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the top layer rise
- Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
For the Custard Layer
- No additional ingredients needed: The batter separates naturally while baking, creating a creamy custard bottom.
How to Make Lemon Custard Cake
Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then gently pour in the warm milk. Mix until smooth—the batter should be thin, and that’s exactly what you want for proper layering.
Whip the Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped whites into the batter. This step creates the airy cake top while allowing the custard to form underneath.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly jiggly in the center. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes so the custard can fully set.
Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries. Serve warm for a silky-soft center or chilled for a firmer custard experience.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip warming the milk—it helps the layers separate properly.
- Fold the egg whites gently to keep the batter airy.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent foil loosely over the cake.
- Cooling time is essential for the custard to set—don’t rush it!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula for folding
- Zester or microplane
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Custard Cake: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter.
- Coconut Lemon Custard Cake: Swap 1/2 cup of milk with coconut milk for tropical flavor.
- Extra Tangy Version: Add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest for a bolder citrus punch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added texture.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or iced lemonade.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It chills beautifully. Store in the fridge and serve cold or gently warmed.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Whole milk works best for a creamy custard, but low-fat milk will still work—it just won’t be quite as rich.
Why was my custard layer too thin?
The batter may have been overmixed or the egg whites not folded gently enough. Make sure they stay airy.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 8–12 minutes.
Lemon Custard Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Custard Cake bakes into two perfect layers on its own: a creamy lemon custard base and a soft, fluffy cake top. Bright, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard Layer:
- Forms naturally while baking — no separate preparation needed!
- The combined batter creates a creamy custard base and fluffy cake top.
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry mixture, then pour in the warm milk and mix until smooth (batter will be thin).
- Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter to create the layered custard effect.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the dish. Bake 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly. Cool 30 minutes to allow custard to set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with berries. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Cake will firm up as it cools, but the center should remain creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Custard Cake is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright citrus flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert, a gathering, or just a treat-yourself moment, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple, magical, and delicious it is. And don’t forget to share your results!
