This Italian Lemon Magic Cake is a soft, custard-style dessert with a golden crust and a bright lemon flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Combining simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake is ideal for brunches, tea time, or a sweet indulgence whenever you want to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup (125 g) sugar
- 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
- 5 oz (140 g) butter, softened
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Optional Filling:
- Sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice for a soft custard center, or
- ½ cup cream cheese for added richness
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, lemon zest, and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Add softened butter and mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently knead until the dough is smooth and well combined. - Assemble the Cake
Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased 8-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure that the dough is spread evenly, bringing it up along the sides of the pan. Pour your desired lemon custard filling over the dough. If using, crumble or flatten the remaining dough and layer it over the top to cover the filling. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before serving. - Serve
Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Creamy & Comforting: The soft custard center combined with the crumbly dough top offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, similar to a lemon tart or cheesecake.
- Versatile: This cake is elegant enough to serve at gatherings yet simple enough to enjoy as an everyday treat.
- Magical Texture: Experience the delightful contrast between the creamy center and the golden, crumbly top that makes every bite a pleasure.
Tips and Variations
- For an added zesty twist, incorporate orange zest into the dough or filling for extra flavor.
- Fold in some fresh blueberries or raspberries to give your cake a fruity boost.
- Looking for a lighter version? Reduce the sugar to 100 grams for a lower-sugar treat.
- Pair this cake with whipped cream or a berry compote to elevate the experience.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Cool Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Yield: 8–10 slices
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Springform pan
- Spatula
- Zester
- Oven
Enjoy this luscious Italian Lemon Magic Cake as a delightful dessert that will surely impress your friends and family!