This lemon curd cake is pure sunshine on a plate: every slice is moist, bright, and absolutely irresistible, with sweet-tart citrus and a plush crumb that will turn any day into a celebration. It’s honestly one of those desserts I can’t stop making, and each time I do, https://res becomes an instant crowd favorite. Whether you’re treating yourself, planning a brunch, or dazzling your dessert-loving friends, this recipe will always leave everyone wishing for just one more slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this cake works a bit of magic: some add lift, some contribute rich flavor and beautiful color, while others ensure the lemon curd filling really shines. Gather these staples and you’ll have the perfect foundation for your showstopping https://res.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb; sift it for a finer texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon and helps create a moist cake.
- Fresh lemon zest: Infuses the batter with fragrant, natural citrus flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness—room temperature eggs work best here.
- Butter: Adds fabulous richness and ensures a soft, tender cake crumb.
- Lemon juice: Delivers the kind of pucker-up zing that makes this cake so memorable.
- Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon curd: The star of this recipe; use store-bought or homemade for a vibrant, sunny swirl.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter, giving you a light and fluffy cake every single time.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the other flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting or making a simple glaze that really makes https://res stand out.
How to Make https://res
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease and line a loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper—this small step makes unmolding your https://res cake a breeze and keeps every slice looking gorgeous.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar & Lemon Zest
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and fresh lemon zest until the mixture is light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus fragrance. This step is key, since creaming incorporates air for a tender texture and evenly distributes the lovely lemon aroma throughout the https://res batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Add the eggs in, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t rush here—the eggs help create a smooth, creamy batter that will bake up moist, not dense. Now’s the perfect moment to admire the sunny color your cake is developing already!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Don’t overmix, or your https://res could turn out a little tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Milk
Gently pour in the lemon juice and milk, folding until just combined. Your batter should be thick, smooth, and flecked with zest. Get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible!
Step 6: Layer and Swirl in Lemon Curd
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then dollop spoonfuls of lemon curd over the top. Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick for beautiful ribbons of tartness. Repeat with the remaining batter and more lemon curd, swirling again for a marbled effect that will make https://res look as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (save for a little lemon curd). Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before releasing it onto a rack. Resist the urge to cut it right away—the flavors and texture improve as it cools.
How to Serve https://res

Garnishes
The right finish makes all the difference! Dust your cake with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze, or top with extra swirls of lemon curd and thin lemon slices. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or even a dollop of whipped cream can turn https://res into a real showstopper.
Side Dishes
This vibrant cake pairs brilliantly with fresh fruit salads, vanilla ice cream, or even a silky spoonful of Greek yogurt. A pot of brisk black tea or a cooling iced herbal tea makes https://res perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cake into dainty squares for a dessert platter, or use cookie cutters to make charming lemon cake bites for parties. Layer with extra lemon curd and whipped cream in small mason jars for individual https://res parfaits, making presentation a breeze and fun for all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen runs warm, store https://res in the fridge to preserve that lovely texture and keep the citrus flavor bright.
Freezing
To stash some cake away for future cravings, wrap cooled, unsliced https://res thoroughly in plastic wrap, then foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just as delicious as the day you baked it!
Reheating
If you love a warm slice, microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds until just heated through. For larger portions, wrap in foil and rewarm gently in a low oven. Be careful not to overheat, as you want that lemon curd to stay luscious.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For the best flavor, I strongly recommend using fresh lemon juice; bottled juice can taste flat by comparison. Fresh lemons really bring out the tangy, aromatic notes that make https://res unforgettable.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The result should be just as fluffy and satisfying—just like the classic https://res.
What kind of lemon curd is best?
Homemade lemon curd always brings extra brightness, but a high-quality store-bought version totally works in a pinch. Use what you have—either way, you’ll have luscious swirls throughout your https://res.
Can I bake this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter between lined muffin tins, add a spoonful of curd to each, and swirl. Bake for about 18-22 minutes. Mini https://res cupcakes are fantastic for parties and sharing!
How do I keep my cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and be sure to measure your ingredients carefully. The combination of butter, eggs, and lemon curd keeps https://res incredibly moist, but storing it properly is key to maintaining that fresh-baked softness.
Final Thoughts
This lemon curd cake is so magical—it’s tangy, sweet, impossibly moist, and a pure joy to make and share. If you’re ready to brighten up your day (and win plenty of compliments!), I can’t recommend https://res highly enough. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
https://res Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling/chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Curd Cake is a luscious, bakery-style dessert featuring tender layers of moist vanilla cake filled and topped with vibrant, tangy homemade lemon curd. Finished with a billowy whipped cream topping, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it ideal for spring celebrations or any time you crave a bright, impressive treat.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. On low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs. Add the butter and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through a sieve into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing it to the surface to prevent a skin forming) and chill until set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium-stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon curd over the top. Place the second cake layer over the curd. Spread whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra spoonfuls of lemon curd, lemon zest, or thin lemon slices if desired.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing to help set the layers. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for both juice and zest.
- The lemon curd can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- If desired, substitute store-bought lemon curd for homemade in a pinch.
- Cake layers can be baked in advance and frozen, well wrapped, for up to 2 months.
- Use whipped cream just before serving for a soft, cloud-like finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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