Spring calls for sunny colors and fruity tastes! Lemon curd cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion, especially for the spring. This flavorful cake is made with a light and fluffy sponge cake that is layered with tangy lemon curd and topped with a creamy frosting. The combination of sweet and sour flavors makes this cake a favorite among many people.
The sponge cake used in lemon curd cake is typically made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder. Once the cake is baked and cooled, it is then layered with a generous amount of lemon curd. Lemon curd is a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, and butter that is cooked until thick and creamy. The lemon curd adds a burst of tangy flavor to the cake and complements the sweetness of the sponge cake.
Finally, the cake is topped with a creamy frosting that is made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. The frosting adds a smooth and creamy texture to the cake and enhances the overall flavor with a tangy note. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious dessert to enjoy, lemon curd cake is a perfect choice that is sure to impress. It’s unbelievably scrumptious!
Ingredients for the cake
Lemon curd cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect not only for spring but for any occasion. To make this cake, you will need the following ingredients:
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 2 large eggs |
| 1/4 cup milk |
| 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour |
| 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| 2 tablespoons lemon zest |
| 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice |
The flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt should be combined in a separate bowl and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing until just combined.
Next, pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Spoon the lemon curd on top of the batter, using a knife to swirl it throughout the cake. Bake the cake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar and serving.
Overall, this lemon curd cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to please any crowd. The combination of tangy lemon curd and sweet cake is a match made in heaven. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your baking skills!
Instructions for the cake
Making a lemon curd cake is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Here is how to make a delicious lemon curd cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the batter and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25—30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, it’s time to make the lemon curd filling, for that, you’ll need:
Ingredients for the filling
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 3 tablespoons cornstarch |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| 1/2 cup water |
| 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice |
| 4 tablespoons of butter |
| 2 egg yolks |
Instructions for the filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add water and lemon juice to the saucepan and whisk until well combined.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in butter and egg yolks until smooth.
- Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for an additional 2—3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lemon curd cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for 2 hours to set completely.
To assemble the cake, cut the cooled cake in half horizontally and spread the lemon curd filling over the bottom half. Place the top half of the cake back on and make the frosting. For that, you’ll need:
Ingredients for the frosting
| 8 oz cream cheese, softened |
| 1/2 cup butter, softened |
| 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 5 cups powdered sugar |
| (optional: yellow food coloring) |
Instructions for the frosting
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until smooth and fluffy.
- Sift in gradually powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached. If desired, add yellow food coloring for a sunny springtime looks.
- Frost the cake with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lemon curd cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for 2 hours to set completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Baking Lemon Curd Cake
If you’re planning to bake a lemon curd cake, here are a few tips that will help you make the perfect cake:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients always make a difference in the taste and texture of the cake. Use fresh, high-quality lemons, eggs, and real butter for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bring the eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature before using them in the recipe. This will help the ingredients blend together more easily.
- Grease and flour the pan: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease and flour it before pouring in the batter. You can also use silicone cake pan for easy release of the cake.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to bake a delicious and moist lemon curd cake that your family and friends will love.
Variations of Lemon Curd Cake
Lemon curd cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be customized in many ways. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Lemon Blueberry Curd Cake: Add fresh blueberries to the cake batter before baking. Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of lemon curd on top and garnish with more blueberries.
- Lemon Coconut Curd Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter before baking. Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of lemon curd on top and sprinkle with more coconut.
- Lemon Raspberry Curd Cake: Add fresh raspberries to the cake batter before baking. Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of lemon curd on top and garnish with more raspberries.
You can also experiment with different types of frosting. Cream cheese frosting pairs well with lemon curd cake, as does a simple vanilla buttercream. If you want to keep things light, try topping the cake with whipped cream and fresh berries. Classic 7-minute frosting is another light and fluffy frosting that pairs well the lemony flavor of the cake.
For a boozy twist, try adding a splash of limoncello or vodka to the cake batter. This will give the cake a subtle lemon flavor and make it extra moist.
Finally, don’t be afraid to play around with presentation. Lemon curd cake can be served in many ways, from a traditional layer cake to individual cupcakes. You can even turn it into a trifle by layering slices of cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemon curd cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion, although I love to bake it in the spring. The cake’s tangy yet sweet taste is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, and its bright yellow color adds a pop of color to any dessert table.
While it may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right recipe and a bit of patience, anyone can create a mouth-watering lemon curd cake. It’s important to follow the recipe closely and not rush the process, as this can lead to a cake that doesn’t quite live up to its full potential.
Overall, lemon curd cake is a dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a mid-day treat, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
Happy baking!