Lemon Custard Cake is a light, creamy dessert bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Quick to make and irresistibly smooth, it’s the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet yet refreshing—with just the right zing.
Whether you’re hosting friends and want a simple, impressive dessert or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, Lemon Custard Cake is the answer. With its silky custard base and soft, airy sponge topping, this easy lemon dessert strikes the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness.
Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, this moist lemon custard cake is sure to become a household favorite.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Lemon Custard Cake at home, reveal tips for the perfect texture, and share expert advice, serving ideas, and answers to the most common questions. Ready to impress? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Custard Cake
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Zesty & Refreshing – The perfect balance of sweet and tart.
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Three Textures in One Bite – A magical mix of sponge, custard, and a golden top.
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Customizable – Dairy-free? Gluten-free? No problem!
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Just 15 Minutes of Prep – Simple steps, big flavor.
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Family-Approved – Loved by kids and adults alike.
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 Inspired by Italian lemon custard cake traditions.
Ingredients for Lemon Custard Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this old fashioned lemon custard cake:
 Main Ingredients:
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4 large eggs, separated
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1¼ cups granulated sugar
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1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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1¼ cups milk, at room temperature
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Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
 Optional Substitutions:
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Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
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Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour.
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Sweeter Option: Increase sugar to 1½ cups for a richer flavor.

How to Make Lemon Custard Cake – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create the best homemade lemon custard cake.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Lemon Elements
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and salt together. Gradually stir this into your wet mixture until smooth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Milk
Slowly whisk in the room temperature milk. This will create a thin, custard-like batter.
Step 6: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter in batches to keep the mixture airy.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temp.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Lemon Custard Cake
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Use fresh lemons. Bottled juice lacks the zing and aroma of fresh citrus.
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Don’t overmix. Especially when folding in the egg whites—gentle is key!
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Cool completely. The custard sets as it cools, so don’t rush this step.
Common Questions:
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Can I make lemon custard cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day. -
What is the secret to moist lemon custard cake?
Fresh ingredients and gentle folding for that perfect custard rise.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Custard Cake
Serve this cake:
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With whipped cream and fresh berries
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Alongside hot tea or iced lemon water
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As a light dessert after seafood or pasta dishes
Related Recipe :
Nutritional Information for Lemon Custard Cake
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
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Calories | 260 kcal |
Carbs | 35g |
Fat | 12g |
Protein | 5g |
Sugar | 24g |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary with ingredient substitutions.
Storage & Leftovers
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Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Voice Search Optimized Q&A:
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How long does lemon custard cake last in the fridge?
About 4 days when properly stored. -
What’s the best way to reheat lemon custard cake?
Use a microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy chilled.
You Asked, We Answered
 Does a custard-filled cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigerate to maintain the custard texture and avoid spoilage.
 How long does lemon custard last?
The custard layer is good for up to 4 days when refrigerated.
 Why is my lemon custard not thickening?
It may be underbaked or your milk wasn’t room temperature.
 Why is my lemon cake not fluffy?
Overmixing or not whipping egg whites to stiff peaks can cause this.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make the best Lemon Custard Cake at home! This citrusy classic is sure to delight guests and family alike, with its light, dreamy texture and bold lemon flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a baking pro, this recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and always impressive.
Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
 Don’t forget to bookmark this page for next time

Lemon Custard Cake | Easy Dessert Idea
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- Author: Patricia
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, zesty Lemon Custard Cake featuring a creamy custard center and airy sponge top. Perfect for brunch, tea, or dessert anytime.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk (room temperature)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Sift flour and salt together and gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Slowly whisk in the room-temperature milk to create a smooth, thin batter.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter in batches.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Room-temperature milk helps maintain smooth custard texture.
- Fold egg whites gently to preserve the airiness of the batter.
- Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
How does simply substituting real milk for dairy free milk make this a dairy free recipe? You are still using eggs. Eggs are dairy contrary to some contemporary theories!
Thank you