Mom'S Lemon Custard Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A bright and tangy lemon custard cake featuring layers of lemon-flavored cake and a luscious lemon custard filling, perfect for citrus lovers and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg lemon cake mix
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 lemon, juice and rind

Instructions

  1. Mix the lemon cake according to package directions.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of prepared batter.
  3. Bake two layers in prepared pans.
  4. With the reserved batter, add sugar, milk, lemon rind, and lemon juice.
  5. Cook over very low heat until thick, stirring constantly.
  6. Add additional milk if the custard is too thick.
  7. Spread the lemon custard between the cake layers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites in place of whole eggs when preparing the lemon cake mix. If you don't have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh juice yields a brighter flavor. To enhance the custard, a touch of vanilla extract may be added. If you're looking for more dessert inspiration, browse more American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon custard cake is delightful on its own, but it can be elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Dessert Cake for a festive gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Make sure to cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Lemon Custard Cake contains roughly 100 calories, with 1g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value).

100 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 21.3g 8% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 46.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 248mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 52.6mg 4% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. The custard can also be made in advance and refrigerated. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve for the best texture.

What can I substitute for the cake mix?

You can make a homemade lemon cake from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and fresh lemon juice and zest. This will give you a more personalized flavor and texture. There are plenty of vegetarian recipes online if you want to explore this option.

How do I prevent the custard from curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure to cook the custard over very low heat while stirring constantly. Remove it from heat as soon as it thickens. If you find it thickens too quickly, you can add a bit of milk to smooth it out.

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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