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:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add milk, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to combine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Let cool.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the lemon cream evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cream to set.
4. Serve & Garnish:
- Slice into squares and top with whipped cream and lemon slices.
- 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