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Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake

A nostalgic blend of creamy lemon custard and moist sponge cake that embodies the warmth of cherished family traditions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Sponge Cake

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and texture.
  • 4 large Eggs Crucial for moisture and binding.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Leavening agent for fluffiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.

For the Lemon Custard

  • 2 cups Milk Forms the base of the custard.
  • 4 large Egg Yolks Adds texture and richness.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Thickens the custard.
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice Infuses bright flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Enhances lemon flavor.

For Assembly

  • Powdered Sugar Dust for serving Adds a finishing touch.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Lemon Custard

  • In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in the heated milk until combined. Return to the saucepan over medium heat, and continuously stir until thick, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, and allow it to cool.

Make the Sponge Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  • Gradually add 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling.

Assemble the Cake

  • Once the sponge cake is cooled, cut it in half horizontally.
  • Spoon a generous layer of the lemon custard between the two layers of cake, then spread the remaining custard on top.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for zest and juice for maximum flavor. Chill the cake before serving to enhance flavors.
Keyword Custard Cake, Grandma's Recipe, Homemade Cake, Italian Dessert, Lemon Cake