If you’re looking for a delectable dessert that’s sure to impress, this lemon curd cake recipe is perfect! This cake is made with a moist lemon cake base, topped with a layer of tart and creamy lemon curd, and finally finished off with a light and airy meringue.
The combination of textures and flavors makes this cake irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Read on for the full recipe!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Making a lemon curd cake is not difficult at all, and it is a delicious treat that you can enjoy anytime you want. Here is a list of ingredients that you will need to make the cake.
For the lemon curd, you will need:
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
For the cake batter, you will need:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores and supermarkets. You can also substitute some of the ingredients if needed, but be sure to follow the recipe closely to get the best results. Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can begin preparing the lemon curd and cake batter.
Lemon Curd Recipe
Lemon curd is a smooth and tangy custard-like filling that makes the perfect accompaniment for cakes, scones, and tarts. Making lemon curd from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- In a medium-sized heat-proof bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until well combined.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the bowl and whisk until incorporated.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until each piece is fully melted and incorporated.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest.
- Transfer the lemon curd to a clean, airtight jar and refrigerate for at least an hour before using.
Use this delicious lemon curd recipe as the filling for your lemon curd cake or any other dessert that calls for a burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy!
Cake Batter Recipe
To create the perfect cake batter for your lemon curd cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a separate larger bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can move on to the next step of assembling the lemon curd cake. Stay tuned for the next section where we will guide you through the process!
Assembling the Cake
Now that the lemon curd and cake batter are ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Follow these steps for a beautiful and delicious final product:
- Level the cake layers: If the tops of your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them off.
- Place the first layer on a serving plate: Choose a plate that’s slightly larger than your cake. This will make it easier to spread the lemon curd and frosting.
- Add the lemon curd: Spoon a generous amount of lemon curd onto the first layer of cake. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
- Add the second layer of cake: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the lemon curd. Press down gently to secure it in place.
- Frost the cake: Using an offset spatula, spread a layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out as best you can.
- Decorate: Use fresh lemon slices, mint leaves, or edible flowers to decorate the top of the cake.
- Chill and serve: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve cold for best results.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful and delicious lemon curd cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Serving and Storing Tips
Once you’ve baked your delicious lemon curd cake, it’s important to know how to serve and store it to keep it fresh and enjoyable.
To serve, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or even drizzle with some extra lemon curd. Cut the cake into slices and enjoy!
Read Also: The Perfect Frozen Treat: Cottage Cheese Bark Recipe Revealed
When it comes to storing your lemon curd cake, keep it covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
One important tip to remember when storing your cake is to not stack or crowd it with other items, as the delicate lemon curd filling and frosting can easily get damaged.
With these serving and storing tips in mind, your lemon curd cake will stay fresh and delicious for days to come.
Variations and Alternatives
If you’re feeling creative, you can try out some variations and alternatives to this lemon curd cake recipe. One simple way to change things up is to switch up the type of citrus fruit used in the lemon curd. You could try using lime, orange, or even grapefruit to give the cake a unique twist.
You can also experiment with different flavors and textures in the cake itself. Some people like to add fresh fruit or berries to the batter for added sweetness and moisture. Others might prefer to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for some extra crunch.
If you’re looking for a lighter version of the cake, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend or substituting some of the butter with applesauce or yogurt. Similarly, if you’re looking for a vegan version, you could try using a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg.
Finally, if you want to switch things up completely, you could try making a different type of cake altogether! A vanilla or chocolate cake would also pair well with the lemon curd filling. Whatever variations and alternatives you try, remember to have fun and enjoy the baking process!
