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Greek Lemonopita(Lemon Cream Cake)


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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A light and moist Greek-style lemon cake topped with a rich, creamy lemon custard—a perfect citrus dessert for any occasion! This refreshing Mediterranean treat is bursting with lemon flavor and is best enjoyed chilled.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Cream:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Whipped cream
  • Lemon slices
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
  3. Add milk, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  4. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to combine.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Cream:

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Let cool.

3. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Spread the lemon cream evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cream to set.

4. Serve & Garnish:

  1. Slice into squares and top with whipped cream and lemon slices.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Swap whole milk for almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add a dash of limoncello to the cream for an extra citrusy kick.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean