lemon custard cake

Tangy Lemon Custard Delight

This Tangy Lemon Custard Delight is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for lemon lovers. With its zesty flavor and smooth texture, it makes a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Lemon Custard:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Custard:
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
   • Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks while whisking to temper them.
   • Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Pour the custard into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
3. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
   • Spread the whipped cream over the set lemon custard.
4. Serve:
   • Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.
   • Slice and serve chilled.

Tips:

• Lemon Flavor: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
• Crust Variations: Use a shortbread cookie crust or a vanilla wafer crust for a different twist.
• Stabilizing Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in water to the whipped cream to stabilize it for longer periods.

Enjoy your refreshing and creamy Tangy Lemon Custard Delight!