Magical Lemon Custard Cake

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8×8 square pan) and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Alternatively, you can use non-stick spray.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
• Add the egg yolks (save the whites for later), milk, flour, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk everything together until fully combined.

3. Beat the Egg Whites:

• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form. You want them to be fluffy and slightly firm but not stiff.

4. Combine the Mixtures:

• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the lemon mixture. Do this slowly, using a spatula or spoon, to keep the airiness of the egg whites intact. The batter will seem a little runny, but that’s what creates the magical layers as it bakes.

5. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
• Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will puff up in the oven but will settle down as it cools.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes. The cake will separate into three layers: a dense, custard-like bottom, a creamy middle, and a light, airy top.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
• Slice into portions and serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Tips:

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving that vibrant, tangy flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Texture: The custard layer at the bottom is meant to be smooth and velvety. If you prefer a firmer custard, you can bake it a little longer.
• Variation: For a twist, try adding a bit of almond extract or coconut extract along with the vanilla for added flavor depth.

This Magical Lemon Custard Cake is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with its unique texture that will leave you in awe. The magic truly happens as it bakes, giving you a stunning dessert with little effort. 🍋✨