Description
A delightful dessert combining zesty lemon flavor with fluffy meringue, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1⁄2 cup fresh lemon juice (for lemon curd)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for lemon curd)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (for lemon curd)
- 4 large egg whites
- 1⁄2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry mixture and milk, starting and finishing with dry ingredients.
- Divide batter between 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 to a wire rack.
- For the lemon curd, whisk together sugar and cornstarch, stir in water, and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Slowly whisk hot mixture into beaten egg yolks, return to saucepan, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, butter, and zest, then let it cool completely.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the cake by layering lemon curd between cake layers and topping with meringue.
- Toast the meringue under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover loosely to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cake, lemon meringue, dessert, party dessert