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Delicious Lemon Custard Cake topped with fresh lemon zest and creamy custard layer.

Lemon Custard Cake

A buttery cake layered with lemon custard and topped with a refreshing lemon drizzle. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting slice at home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Do not use margarine.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup whole milk
For the Custard Filling
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Custard Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and lemon juice. Let cool.
Assembly
  1. Once the cakes are cooled, spread the custard filling on top of one layer, top with the second layer, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Glazing
  1. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Pour over the top of the cake.
  2. Slice and serve!

Notes

If your morning needs an encore, this cake pairs well with no-bake cheesecake hacks for a delightful dessert buffet.