Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites and yolks into two different bowls. Set the egg whites aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture, whisking until smooth. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract, whisking constantly. The batter will become thin and watery at this stage, which is normal.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
- Beat the Egg Whites: Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake its light, airy texture.
- Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lemon batter. Fold just until combined, leaving some lumps of egg white in the batter. This will help create the cake’s fluffy sponge layer.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly firm. The cake should jiggle slightly in the center when done, as the custard layer will still be soft.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish before slicing. The cooling process helps the custard layer set properly.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness (optional).
Tips for Perfect Lemon Custard Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
- Folding the Egg Whites: Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to maintain the airy structure that separates the sponge from the custard.
- Serve Chilled or Warm: This cake is delicious both warm or chilled, depending on your preference. For a firmer custard, refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Conclusion
This Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s sure to be a hit with lemon lovers. With its soft sponge and creamy custard, it’s a zesty treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness!