The Zingy Lemon Curd Cake Recipe: A Sunburst of Sweet Joy

Sunshine bursts through every slice of this decadent lemon curd cake that promises a zesty adventure for dessert lovers.

Creamy, tangy, and impossibly light, this cake brings a vibrant twist to traditional baking techniques.

Layers of soft sponge mingle with bright, silky lemon curd that dances across your palate with each delightful bite.

The delicate balance of sweet and tart creates a masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh lemons and simple ingredients combine to craft a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Summer memories and classic baking traditions merge in this irresistible treat that belongs on every special occasion table.

One forkful will transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss, making this lemon curd cake a must-try recipe for anyone seeking a truly memorable dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes Into Lemon Curd Cake

• Egg Whites: Provide structure and lightness to the cake, ensuring a delicate and fluffy texture; select fresh, room-temperature eggs for best volume and consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, creamy foundation with smooth mouthfeel; choose high-quality butter with clean, pure flavor and ensure it's softened to room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender crumb; look for fine, pure white sugar with consistent crystal size for even mixing.

• Lemon Zest, Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuse bright, tangy citrus notes that elevate the cake's taste; select firm, vibrant lemons with smooth, glossy skin for maximum aromatic oils.
• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Layer complex depth and intensify citrus undertones; opt for pure, high-quality extracts without artificial additives.

• Fine Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity; choose refined, pure salt with clean mineral profile for precise seasoning.

Tools That Make Lemon Curd Cake Shine

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for whipping buttercream and mixing cake batter smoothly.
• Cake pans (8-inch): Crucial for baking even cake layers with perfect shape.
• Offset spatula: Perfect for spreading lemon curd, buttercream, and creating smooth frosting layers.
• Cake turntable: Helps rotate cake for even frosting and professional finishing.
• Serrated knife: Useful for leveling cake layers and creating clean, flat surfaces.
• Serving plate: Needed for assembling and presenting the finished cake.
• Mixing bowls: Handy for preparing different components of the cake.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients and ensuring smooth consistency.

Baking Instructions for Tangy Lemon Curd Cake

• Cake Preparation Surface

Ensure the cake layers are smooth and flat, creating a perfect foundation for your dessert.

• Lemon Curd Layering

Gently position the first cake layer on your serving plate, then generously spread a silky layer of zesty lemon curd, followed by a creamy buttercream blanket.

• Cake Stack

Carefully stack the remaining layers, repeating the lemon curd and buttercream technique, building a delightful tower of flavor.

• Final Frosting

Elegantly coat the entire cake with a smooth buttercream exterior, transforming the dessert into a stunning culinary masterpiece.

• Chilling Time

Tuck the cake into the refrigerator for a brief rest, allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to set perfectly before serving.

Ideas to Customize Your Lemon Curd Cake Flavor

• Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant, professional bakery-style finish that adds a delicate sweet touch.
• Enhance the lemon curd's brightness by adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest directly into the filling for an extra citrusy punch.
• This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• For a lighter cake, fold in some whipped cream to the buttercream to create a more airy, delicate frosting that complements the dense lemon curd.
• Garnish the cake with candied lemon slices or fresh berries around the base to create a stunning visual presentation that impresses guests.

Presentation Tips for Lemon Curd Cake

• Citrus Brunch Companion: Pair this zesty lemon curd cake with a light mimosa or freshly brewed earl grey tea for a delightful morning gathering.
• Elegant Dessert Showcase: Create an eye-catching display by garnishing the cake with candied lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar around the plate.
• Summer Party Centerpiece: Serve chilled on a beautiful cake stand at outdoor events, picnics, or garden parties where its bright, refreshing flavor will complement sunny afternoons and light conversation.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the cake into thin, elegant wedges and present alongside classic finger sandwiches and scones for a sophisticated tea time experience that celebrates refined flavors.

How to Keep Lemon Curd Cake Moist and Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the completed lemon curd cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator, which helps maintain its moisture and keeps the buttercream smooth and intact for up to 4-5 days.
• Smart Slice Separation: Before storing, place wax paper or parchment paper between individual cake slices to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their delicate texture.
• Temperature Control Method: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and enhance its creamy consistency after refrigeration.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers and lemon curd separately up to 2 days in advance, storing them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, which streamlines assembly and reduces day-of preparation stress.

Velvety Lemon Curd Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon curd cake delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors from Southern France. Delicate sponge layers filled with silky lemon curd invite you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (4 sticks, 454g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 large egg whites (260g)
• 2 zests of large lemons
• ¼ cup (60g) fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon)
• 2 tsps (8g) lemon extract
• 2 tsps (8g) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (3g) fine salt

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Instructions

1. Cake Leveling: Trim cooled cake layers with a serrated knife, creating a flat, symmetrical base for optimal presentation and structural integrity.
2. Foundation Placement: Center the first cake layer on a decorative serving plate, establishing a stable groundwork for assembly.
3. Lemon Curd Application: Spread a uniform, vibrant lemon curd layer across the entire surface of the first cake layer, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
4. Buttercream Integration: Pipe or smooth a consistent buttercream layer over the lemon curd, creating a harmonious flavor profile and textural complexity.
5. Layer Stacking: Position the second cake layer precisely on top, maintaining alignment and structural balance.
6. Exterior Frosting: Utilize an offset spatula to enrobe the entire cake with a smooth, even buttercream coating, covering top and sides completely and creating a polished finish.
7. Chilling and Stabilization: Refrigerate the assembled cake at 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the frosting to set and enhance the cake’s structural stability.
8. Serving Preparation: Remove the cake from the refrigerator moments before serving, ensuring it remains cool, firm, and ready for slicing and enjoyment.

Notes

• Knife Selection: Use a sharp, serrated knife for precise cake layer trimming and clean cuts.
• Surface Preparation: Choose a sturdy, flat serving plate to prevent cake shifting during assembly.
• Curd Application Technique: Spread lemon curd evenly using an offset spatula to create consistent flavor in every bite.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate cake briefly to stabilize buttercream, enhance structural integrity, and improve slice presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 0.23g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg