Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake – Classic Recipe. This enchanting dessert features a buttery, flaky crust enveloping a creamy lemon custard that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Ideal for any occasion, from festive gatherings to quiet afternoon treats, this cake evokes the warmth of Nonna’s kitchen and is sure to be a hit among family and friends. Serve it plain or elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable finish. Bring the essence of Italian baking traditions into your home with this simple yet exquisite recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 3 large egg yolks (for custard)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water; stir until dough forms. Press into tart pan and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick crust base and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Custard: Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously over medium heat until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Bake the Cake: Pour custard into pre-baked crust and bake for 25–30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg