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Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake – Classic Recipe

Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake – Classic Recipe

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Indulge in a slice of sunshine with Italian Grandma’s Lemon Custard Cake – Classic Recipe. This delightful dessert features a velvety lemon custard nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, offering the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Each bite bursts with refreshing citrus flavor, making it ideal for family gatherings, cozy afternoons, or as a sweet surprise during busy weeknights. Simple to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Pair it with fresh berries or whipped coconut cream for an elevated presentation that will impress everyone!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 23 tbsp cold water
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. To make the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water; form dough. Press into a tart or square pan; chill for 20–30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the chilled crust base with a fork and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
  3. For the custard filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla.
  4. Pour custard into pre-baked crust and bake for another 25–30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

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