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From the very depths of my heart, I extend my warmest thanks to you for joining me in another culinary adventure. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that promises to sweep you off your feet with its zesty charm and sun-kissed flavors: the Lemon Curd Cake. I promised you a recipe that’s anything but boring, and believe me, this cake delivers in every slice!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 115g butter, softened
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
The Lemon Curd:
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 80g butter
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks
For the Lemon Frosting:
- 230g butter, softened
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
How to Make Lemon Curd Cake
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, lemon zest, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and lemon juice.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Curd Preparation:
- Cook the Curd: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter. Cook until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the egg and egg yolks, and continue cooking, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve.
- Chill: Cover the curd with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator until cool.
Frosting Preparation:
- Whip the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Helpful Tips
- Cake Texture: For the fluffiest cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemons for the zest to get the most vibrant flavor.
- Smooth Curd: Strain the lemon curd to ensure it’s perfectly smooth and free of any cooked egg bits.
Substitutions/Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake in advance?
- Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance. Just wrap it well and add the curd and frosting before serving.
- How do I store lemon curd cake?
- The cake should be stored in the refrigerator and is best eaten within 3 days.
Storage Instructions
Keep the cake refrigerated due to the frosting and curd. It will maintain its best quality for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices on a baking sheet before wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing in airtight containers.
More Relevant Recipes
If you loved this Lemon Curd Cake, explore these other delicious treats:
Thank you for sharing this delightful journey into the world of lemony treats with me! Your passion and participation make every recipe special. Remember, every slice of this Lemon Curd Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a bright spot in your day, promising joy and a burst of sunshine in every bite!
PrintLemon Curd Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
Description
Dive in the vibrant and zesty delight of our Lemon Curd Cake! This scrumptious cake combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy, dreamy texture of homemade curd, all topped with a light and fluffy lemon frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
115g butter, softened
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 ½ cups flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Lemon Curd:
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
2/3 cup sugar
80g butter
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 large egg
3 large egg yolks
Lemon Frosting:
230g butter, softened
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
4 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Cream the butter, lemon zest, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, buttermilk, and lemon juice.
Whisk dry ingredients separately, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then on a wire rack.
For the curd, heat lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Add eggs and cook until thickened. Strain and chill.
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add sugar, lemon juice, and zest until fluffy.
Assemble the cake with layers of curd and top with frosting.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
The cake can be made a day ahead, and assembled before serving.
Strain lemon curd to remove any lumps for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 70g
- Sodium: 396mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 91g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg