Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake Recipe
Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful classic dessert featuring a soft, buttery cake with a custard-like center infused with fresh lemon zest. This traditional recipe combines simple ingredients to create a luscious, tender cake perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Add the lemon zest and continue mixing to combine the bright citrus flavor evenly.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually sift the flour into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, stirring gently to create a smooth batter without lumps.
- Add melted butter: Slowly fold the melted butter into the batter, ensuring it is fully incorporated to add moisture and richness to the cake.
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake gently in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is set but the center remains soft and custard-like. Insert a toothpick near the edges for doneness; it should come out clean while the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan, slice, and serve as a delightful citrus custard dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor intensity.
- Do not overbake; the custard center should remain soft and creamy.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Keywords: Italian lemon cake, lemon custard cake, grandma cake recipe, Italian dessert, lemon zest cake
