Lemon Curd Cake

Lemon curd cake is a bright and delicious way to bring a little sunshine to your day. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging yourself, this cake will impress. The combination of zesty lemon curd and fluffiness creates an irresistible dessert. What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet the flavor feels extravagant and delightful. Trust me; once you bring this lemony goodness to the table, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Cake
• Ingredients
• Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
• Prepare the Lemon Sugar Mixture
• Cream the Butter and Sugar
• Incorporate the Eggs
• Fold in the Lemon Curd
• Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients
• Bake the Cake
• Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Decorate the Cake
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Desserts Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

I can almost picture the smiles and hear the compliments when this cake is served. And oh, let’s not forget about that beautiful cream cheese frosting, which adds a nice creamy balance to the tartness of the lemon. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on making this lemon curd cake that everyone will love!

Why This Recipe Works

The vibrant flavor profile of this lemon curd cake comes from the combination of lemon curd and lemon zest. When you mix these two citrus components, the result is a cake that’s bursting with personality. The lemon curd not only brings sweetness but also moisture, making every slice tender and delightful.

Additionally, the cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly. It adds a rich, creamy texture that beautifully balances the cake’s tartness. Together, these elements create a treat that’s hard to resist. Once you taste this cake, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Cake

There’s something special about sharing this lemon curd cake with others. It’s ideal for tea time, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon at home. People of all ages will love its refreshing lemon flavor, which feels both uplifting and satisfying.

Moreover, the visual appeal of this cake, adorned with luscious frosting and lemon curd swirls, will impress everyone. Preparing it requires minimal effort, yet the results are stunning. Trust me; you’ll find this recipe quick to whip up, making it an easy win for gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• Zest of 2 large lemons
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170 g)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup lemon curd, homemade or store-bought (120 g)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (330 g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ⅓ cup cream cheese (60 g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (130 g)
• ¼ cup lemon curd for topping (60 g)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, we can move on to the next steps!

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Next, grease an 8-inch springform pan with butter. To ensure an easy release later, line the base with parchment paper. This little step is vital as it keeps your cake intact and beautiful during serving.

Prepare the Lemon Sugar Mixture

In a mixing bowl, rub the granulated sugar together with the lemon zest using your fingertips for about a minute. This process releases the aromatic oils from the zest, creating a fragrant lemon sugar mixture that sets the stage for deliciousness.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Now it’s time to cream your butter and lemon sugar. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and lemon sugar. Beat them on medium-high speed for around 4-5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.

Incorporate the Eggs

Next, it’s time to add the eggs to the mixture. Add them one at a time, beating well after each addition. This method ensures that the batter incorporates air, contributing to a light texture. Again, scrape down the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Fold in the Lemon Curd

Once the eggs are well combined, gently fold in the lemon curd. Mix just until combined, keeping some texture for a delightful bite throughout the cake.

Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

Now, we’ll introduce the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until you see only a few flour streaks. You want to avoid over-mixing at this point; a little bit of flour left is perfectly okay.

Bake the Cake

Carefully pour the batter into your prepared pan, leveling it with a spatula. Pop it into the center of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If you notice the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. After baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, let’s make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. This frosting is a perfect match for the lemon curd cake, adding that creamy sweetness we all adore.

Decorate the Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Smooth it out to the edges for a lovely finish. For a final touch, dollop and swirl the remaining lemon curd into the frosting. This adds a gorgeous design and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon curd cake can be served in many delightful ways. Pair it with fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor. It also shines when enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal afternoon treat. Whether for a casual gathering or a special occasion, this cake is sure to please.

Tips for Success

• Remember to use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. This step significantly improves the mixing process.
• Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. Old baking powder may result in a denser cake.

Variations

Feel free to shake things up! You can add poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and added flavor. Alternatively, substitute orange curd for a citrus twist that still brings plenty of brightness to the table.

Storage Tips

Store your leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly with this recipe.

2. How can I make the cake denser?
For a denser cake, slightly reduce the amount of baking powder and consider using cake flour.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease the pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper for easy release.

5. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

This lemon curd cake is not just a recipe; it’s an experience! With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, it’s destined to become a cherished favorite. So gather your ingredients and share this delightful treat with your loved ones—you won’t regret it! Enjoy every moist, zesty, and creamy bite!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Lemon Raspberry Cake
• Lemon Olive Oil Honey Cake
• Lemon Bars
• Fresh Rhubarb Pie

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