Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful treat combining a tender cake texture with a smooth lemon-flavored custard. It’s simple to make yet wonderfully comforting and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups flour
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the lemon zest and milk until combined.
- Step 2: Gradually fold in the flour to form a smooth batter. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Step 3: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set but still custardy in the center.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, organic lemons for the best zest flavor.
- For a richer custard, substitute half the milk with cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries for added sweetness and presentation.
- Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavor.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold; the custard texture will be creamy either way.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts to keep the cake tender and custardy.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are set and lightly golden but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan, indicating the custard texture.
PrintItalian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake Recipe
This traditional Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a tender, custard-like texture infused with fresh lemon zest. It’s a simple yet elegant cake, combining basic pantry ingredients to create a moist and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Add the lemon zest and mix well to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the batter. Gradually stir in the milk to incorporate moisture and ensure a smooth texture. Finally, sift the flour into the mixture and gently fold it in until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light custard texture.
- Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is set and has a custardy consistency—slightly wobbly in the center but firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving to let the custard fully set.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor; avoid using lemon extract as a substitute.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cake should retain a soft, custardy texture, not be dry.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and ideal texture.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
Keywords: Italian lemon cake, custard cake, lemon zest cake, traditional Italian dessert, simple lemon cake, moist custard cake
