Lemon Custard Cake

Prep: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Lemon Custard Cake is a delightful dessert featuring layers of tender angel food cake combined with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Its bright lemon flavor and fluffy texture make it perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat on warm days.

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Ingredients

  • 1 prepared angel food cake (10-inch)
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Tear the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the cake pieces in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and sour cream.
  4. Beat until the mixture is thickened, about 2 minutes.
  5. Spread the pudding mixture over the cake in the pan.
  6. Spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the pudding layer.
  7. Chill until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using low-fat or plant-based sour cream. You can also swap the cherry pie filling for fresh fruit or another flavor of pie filling, such as blueberry or raspberry. Make sure to chill the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This dish is a wonderful option for potlucks or gatherings, just like 6-Cup Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Custard Cake chilled, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh fruit. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or alongside other sweet treats like Quick Fruit Cobbler.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the cherry pie filling separate until serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Custard Cake contains roughly 134 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

134 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 25.9g 9% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 300.9mg 13% DV
Potassium 127.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 5.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 109.1mg 8% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade pudding! Just ensure it is fully cooled and thickened before spreading it over the cake. This will give you a richer flavor, but remember that it may alter the texture slightly compared to instant pudding.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Lemon Custard Cake gluten-free, ensure that the angel food cake is made from gluten-free ingredients. You can find gluten-free mixes available at many grocery stores or make your own using gluten-free flour. Always check labels to confirm they meet your dietary needs.

Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead, which allows the flavors to develop. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil after chilling, and store it in the refrigerator. It's a fantastic make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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