Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake Recipe
Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake is a tender, moist dessert characterized by a delicate custard-like texture infused with fresh lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor. This traditional Italian recipe uses simple ingredients and a gentle baking technique to create a cake with a softly set custard center and lightly golden top, perfect for teatime or a light dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Custard Cake
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 medium lemons
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the lemon zest to evenly distribute the citrus flavor. Gradually add the flour, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Finally, incorporate the milk to create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the batter into a well-greased 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan. Bake gently for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden on top but still soft and slightly custardy in the center when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake’s custard texture will set further as it cools. Slice and serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor—avoid the white pith which can be bitter.
- Ensure gentle mixing to keep the custard texture light and tender.
- Baking at a lower temperature prevents the custard from curdling and maintains a silky texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
- This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light whipped cream topping.
Keywords: Italian lemon cake, custard cake recipe, lemon dessert, traditional Italian dessert, lemon zest cake
