Introduction
Imagine a cake so soft, moist, and infused with lemon flavor that it literally melts in your mouth. This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lemon Cake combines a fluffy sponge cake with a luscious lemon custard filling, making it an irresistible treat for citrus lovers.
Perfect for tea time, brunch, or special occasions, this cake has a light, airy texture and a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra Soft & Fluffy – A perfectly light texture that melts in your mouth.
✔ Lemon Custard Filling – A creamy surprise inside every slice.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients & minimal effort.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for brunch, tea, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Custard Filling:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Lemon Custard Filling
- In a small saucepan, whisk together:
- Egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Milk
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and lemon zest.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and let cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and lemon juice.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cooled lemon custard over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top, covering the custard.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4️⃣ Let It Cool & Dust with Sugar
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cake
✔ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined for a soft texture.
✔ Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice & zest give the best flavor.
✔ Chill the Custard – It thickens as it cools, making layering easier.
✔ Dust with Powdered Sugar – Adds a simple yet elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions
🍋 With Fresh Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries complement the lemon flavor.
🍋 With Whipped Cream – A light, fluffy topping balances the citrus zing.
🍋 With Tea or Coffee – A delightful pairing for a cozy afternoon.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | ~42g |
Protein | ~5g |
Fat | ~14g |
Sugar | ~25g |
Fiber | ~1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if needed.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour.
3. Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Absolutely! Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons lemon juice for a sweet glaze.
4. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 15–18 minutes.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance, store in the fridge, and dust with sugar before serving.
Conclusion
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Lemon Cake is a heavenly combination of soft sponge and creamy lemon custard, making it the ultimate citrus dessert. Whether you’re serving it for tea time, a special occasion, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Try this easy and delicious recipe, and let the zesty lemon flavor brighten your day! 🍋