If you’re dreaming of a cake that embodies pure sunshine in every bite, look no further than this Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe. Imagine delicate layers of tender sponge cake, a bright, tangy lemon curd that practically sparkles with flavor, and pillows of whipped cream icing—each forkful is equal parts fresh, light, and indulgent. It’s a dessert you’ll crave all spring and summer, but it’s so easy and satisfying, you’ll want to whip it up year round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple—each ingredient brings something special to the table, from tender crumb to fresh zest. Gather these essentials and prepare to wow your tastebuds.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and keeping it soft yet sturdy enough to slice into perfect layers.
- Baking powder: Delivers that lovely lift and light texture—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and really makes the lemon sing.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For a rich, buttery base that melds beautifully with citrus flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb and helps it bake up golden and tender.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the batter and adding that classic cake structure.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and soft, never dry.
- Lemon zest: Adds pure, aromatic citrus oils—absolutely key for zingy flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens every bite with a clean, tangy note.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus for a balanced taste.
- Lemon curd (plus more for filling): This swoon-worthy ingredient is the heart of the recipe—make your own or use a good-quality store-bought version.
- Heavy whipping cream: For a billowy, cloud-like frosting everyone swoons over.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes your whipped cream to perfection.
- Fresh berries and lemon slices (optional): A colorful, irresistible garnish to finish the cake with a flourish.
How to Make Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 8-inch round cake pan and give it a good greasing with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dust with flour or line it with parchment paper for foolproof release. This simple prep step ensures your Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe comes out with perfectly clean edges—so rewarding!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only disperses the leavening but brings just the right tender texture to the finished cake. Don’t rush—thorough mixing now means a consistently fluffy crumb later!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This process incorporates air, ensuring your cake bakes up with beautiful lift and a melt-in-your-mouth feel. Trust me, don’t skimp here!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Zest, Juice, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully blend before adding the next. Then, toss in that fragrant lemon zest, pour in the tangy fresh lemon juice, and add the vanilla extract. The mixture will smell like pure lemony bliss—just the preview of what’s to come.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry with Milk
With your mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—over-mixing can toughen your cake. This gentle step preserves the soft, tender texture that makes the Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe so craveable.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Spoon the batter into your prepped cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden, and a toothpick comes out clean. Now breathe in that heavenly citrus aroma wafting from your oven!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the cake rest in its pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This patience pays off—you’ll have a cake that slices beautifully and stays moist.
Step 8: Fill with Lemon Curd
Once the cake is cool, use a serrated knife to gently slice it horizontally into two even layers. Spread a generous layer of lemon curd between them. The rich, tangy curd soaks in just enough to create the magic in every bite of this Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe.
Step 9: Whip the Cream and Frost
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This isn’t just frosting—it’s a dreamy, cloudlike finish. Spread it thickly on the top of the cake, creating swoops and swirls for a rustic, homemade look.
Step 10: Garnish and Chill
If you’re feeling fancy, top your masterpiece with fresh berries and lemon slices. Then chill the cake so everything sets together—this makes slicing a breeze and brings out even more refreshing flavor.
How to Serve Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a wow-worthy presentation, garnish the cake with glossy lemon slices, a tumble of fresh berries, and maybe even a sprinkle of extra lemon zest. The bright pops of color and flavor invite everyone to take a slice, and the fresh elements make the Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe even more inviting on a sunny afternoon.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey or a pot of herbal tea—the subtle bitterness of tea echoes the lemon and balances the sweetness. On a warmer day, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of fresh raspberries on the side takes the citrusy bliss to new levels.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try serving individual wedges in mason jars layered with extra lemon curd and whipped cream. Or cut the cake into dainty squares for an afternoon tea platter. However you serve it, the Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe is guaranteed to turn any gathering into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container, then stored in the fridge for up to three days. The chilled lemon curd keeps everything moist and refreshing, and the whipped cream holds up beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe for later, it’s best to freeze the unfrosted cake layers and curd separately. Wrap each tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling and finishing with fresh whipped cream frosting.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold or at room temperature, so you won’t need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom and the whipped cream soften wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade lemon curd offers unbeatable freshness, a high-quality store-bought version will work perfectly for this Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe and save you some time in the kitchen.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
No worries—feel free to substitute 2 percent milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk in a pinch. The texture may be slightly different but your cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The rest of the Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe stays exactly the same—so everyone can enjoy a slice.
How do I get the cake layers even?
For the neatest layers, use a long serrated bread knife or a cake leveler. Go slow, turning the cake as you cut for maximum control. You won’t believe how professional your Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe looks when sliced!
Can I assemble the cake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, assembling the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until about half an hour before serving for the best texture and zing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, you’ll fall in love with this Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe. It’s a treat worth making again and again—for birthdays, tea parties, or just because you want a taste of sunshine at home. Go ahead, give it a try—you deserve every lemony bite!
Print
Luscious Lemon Curd Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bright, citrusy flavors of this Luscious Lemon Curd Cake. A tender lemon-infused cake filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with billowy whipped cream, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Curd Filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (plus more for filling)
Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- fresh berries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pan.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Make the cake batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and flavorings, then mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake until done.
- Assemble the cake: Slice the cake, fill with lemon curd, frost with whipped cream, and garnish before chilling.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade lemon curd.
- For extra lemon flavor, brush cake layers with lemon syrup.
- Best served chilled and can be made ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
