Description
A delightful dessert that combines tangy lemon flavor with fluffy meringue and soft cake layers, perfect for celebrations and special treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1⁄2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3⁄4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (for lemon curd)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for lemon curd)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (for lemon curd)
- 4 large egg whites (for meringue)
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the lemon curd, whisk sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Gradually stir in water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return it to the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, butter, and lemon zest. Let it cool completely.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Then beat in the vanilla extract.
- Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a layer of lemon curd on top. Add the second layer and spread a thin layer of lemon curd over it. Pile the meringue on top and swirl it decoratively.
- Preheat the broiler and place the cake under it for 1-2 minutes, watching closely until the meringue turns golden, or use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue evenly.
- Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Use fresh lemons for the best lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cake, lemon, dessert, meringue, sweet treat