Italian 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
Scale
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
