Luscious Lemon Cake with Melting Custard Filling
Ingredients
For the Lemon Custard Filling:
- 1 egg
- 50 grams sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 20 grams cornstarch
- 200 ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 25 grams butter
For the Lemon Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 150 grams sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 10 grams vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 150 ml vegetable oil
- 50 grams sour cream
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 15 grams baking powder
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Toasted almonds (for garnish, optional)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)
Other:
- Casserole dish (18×26 cm)
Instructions
Make the Lemon Custard Filling (3 Minutes):
- In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add the lemon zest and juice of half a lemon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Cake Batter (4 Minutes):
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), vegetable oil, and sour cream.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients (2 Minutes):
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the remaining lemon juice.
Assemble and Bake (7 Minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease your casserole dish.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared dish.
- Spread the cooled lemon custard filling evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the custard filling.
- Garnish with toasted almonds (optional).
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) and serving.
Advanced Techniques:
- Folding vs. Mixing: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet batter, use a folding motion with a spatula to maintain air pockets in the batter. This will contribute to the light and fluffy texture of the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are just incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake.
Flavor Twists:
- Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of milk until smooth.
- Lemon Extract: If you don’t have fresh lemons for the zest and juice, substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for the zest and 2 teaspoons of lemon extract for the juice. Fresh lemons provide a brighter and more intense lemon flavor.
- Poppy Seeds: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cake batter for a subtle nutty flavor and textural contrast.
- Lemon Curd Option: If you have leftover lemon curd, use it instead of making the custard filling. Spread a layer of lemon curd over the batter before adding the remaining batter and baking as instructed.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and moisture to the cake.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free)
- Dairy-Free: No
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cake can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
- The creamy custard filling adds a delightful textural contrast.
- It’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this luscious lemon cake with melting custard filling as a delightful dessert for any occasion. Its combination of light, fluffy cake and creamy custard is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking! 🍋🍰