Description
Indulge in the delicate layers of Lemon Custard Cloud Cake, a luscious Italian-inspired dessert that combines a fluffy cake with a silky custard layer. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer:
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
Custard Layer:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- optional whipped cream or fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and lemon zest until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, then stir in vanilla.
- Make the Cake Batter: Preheat oven. Cream butter with sugar, beat in egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. Whisk dry ingredients and add to wet mixture.
- Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold into cake batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer cake batter, custard, and remaining cake batter in a springform pan.
- Bake and Finish: Bake until golden, cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- The cake develops its signature “cloud” texture from the custard layer melting into the soft cake.
- For a stronger citrus punch, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the custard.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
