Description
This Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake is the ultimate expression of simple elegance — a silky, tangy lemon custard nestled inside a buttery golden crust. Light yet indulgent, this cake delivers sunshine in every bite and evokes the warmth of a Nonna’s kitchen. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon coffee, or anytime you crave comforting citrus sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Shortcrust Base:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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Pinch of salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1 egg yolk
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2–3 tbsp cold water
For the Lemon Custard Filling:
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1½ cups whole milk
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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3 large egg yolks
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¼ cup cornstarch
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Zest of 1 lemon
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½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions
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Make the Crust:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water, stirring until dough forms. Press into a tart pan or square cake pan and chill for 20–30 minutes. -
Pre-Bake the Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the base with a fork and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly. -
Prepare the Lemon Custard:
In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and yolks. Slowly add milk while whisking. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour custard into pre-baked crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes until just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Best served chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar.
For a firmer texture, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Add thin lemon slices on top before baking for a visual twist.
This cake also works beautifully in a rectangular tart pan or springform pan.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 115mg