Zesty Lemon Curd Snack Cake Recipe: A Sweet Afternoon Treat

Sweet, tangy lemon curd snack cake delivers a burst of sunshine on your plate.

Zesty citrus notes dance through each tender crumb, promising pure delight.

This simple yet sophisticated dessert combines classic comfort with bright, refreshing flavors.

Soft, moist layers mingle with silky lemon curd, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Home bakers can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat in no time, using basic pantry ingredients.

Each slice offers a delectable escape from ordinary desserts.

You’ll want to savor every last crumb of this irresistible lemony masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Lemon Curd Snack Cake – Ingredient Checklist

• Lemon Juice: Brings tangy brightness and forms the core flavor foundation of the silky spread.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and deep lemon essence without extra liquid.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances tartness and provides smooth sweetness for the curd.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Creates rich, luxurious texture and helps thicken the curd naturally.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes velvety smoothness and rounds out the curd's flavor profile.

• Butter: Ensures tender, moist cake texture with rich, golden undertones.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create delicate cake structure.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture and lift to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Introduces subtle tanginess and helps create soft, tender crumb.
• Lemon Zest: Enhances citrus notes throughout the cake layers.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity.
• Flour: Creates fundamental cake structure and provides necessary stability.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Generates necessary rise and lightness in the cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor dimensions.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy depth and luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve ideal frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting undertone.
• Heavy Cream: Helps adjust frosting thickness and creates silky finish.

Tools to Whip Up Lemon Curd Snack Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and creating smooth frosting.
• Double boiler: Crucial for gently cooking lemon curd without burning.
• 9×9 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating the cake base.
• Parchment paper: Helps easily remove cake from the pan.
• Whisk: Necessary for stirring lemon curd and ensuring smooth mixture.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cake batter and frosting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Fork or skewer: Used for poking holes in the cake.
• Glass jar: For cooling and storing lemon curd.
• Zester or grater: Helps extract lemon zest.

How to Bake a Perfect Lemon Snack Cake

Sunshine Citrus Delight

• Lemon Curd Magic

A silky smooth preparation where zesty lemon flavors dance together over gentle heat. Whisk fresh citrus and eggs in a cozy double boiler, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious golden cream.

• Cake Foundation

Craft a tender base that welcomes bright lemon essence. Soft butter and sweet sugar blend into a cloud-like batter, promising a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.

• Baking Transformation

Slide your creation into a warm oven, where golden edges and soft center signal perfection. Let cool completely, creating anticipation for the upcoming flavor explosion.

• Creamy Cloud Topping

Whip together velvety butter and cream cheese into a dreamy blanket of sweetness. This pillowy frosting will crown your citrusy masterpiece with elegant grace.

• Luscious Assembly

Transform your cake into a tantalizing canvas. Gently pierce the surface, allowing lemon curd to seep into hidden pockets. Lavish the top with swirls of frosting and playful lemon curd dollops, creating a dessert that sparkles with sunshine and joy.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Snack Cake Upgrades

• Control the thickness of your lemon curd by whisking more or less during cooking. For a silkier texture, strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
• Enhance the lemon flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to both the cake batter and lemon curd. Fresh zest brings vibrant, bright notes to the dessert.
• Prepare the lemon curd and cake layers up to 3 days in advance. Store the curd in an airtight container and keep the cake wrapped tightly to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Replace lemon with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a delightful twist. Experiment with different flavor profiles while keeping the same basic technique.
• Top the cake with candied lemon peels, fresh berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate its visual appeal and add complementary flavors.

How to Plate and Serve Lemon Curd Cake

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy lemon curd cake with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend morning treat that brightens up any gathering.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve slices alongside delicate lavender shortbread cookies or classic Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels both refined and comforting.
• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack individual cake squares in small containers for outdoor gatherings, complementing the cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of edible flowers for extra visual appeal and refreshing flavor.
• Dessert Bar Centerpiece: Display the cake on a rustic wooden board with additional lemon curd dollops, allowing guests to garnish their own slice and create a interactive, Instagram-worthy dessert station.

Storage Ideas for Lemon Curd Snack Cake

• Cake Freshness Guardian: Store this delightful snack cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its soft texture and zesty flavors intact.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container when refrigerated, which extends its life to 5-7 days while maintaining optimal moisture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lemon curd and cake layers separately up to 2 days in advance, assembling just before serving to keep the cake's texture perfectly light and fluffy.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, allowing you to store frozen treats for up to 1 month – simply thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before enjoying your citrusy delight.

Tangy Lemon Curd Snack Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon curd snack cake promises zesty comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Home bakers can savor this simple yet elegant dessert that combines tangy citrus notes with subtle sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Lemon Curd:

• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (177 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest

Cake:

• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cup (300 g) sugar
• 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk
• 2 cups (240 g) flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 lemons, zested

Frosting:

• 3 ½–4 cups (420–480 g) powdered sugar
• 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Lemon Curd Preparation: Construct a double boiler and whisk together citrus juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.
2. Curd Refinement: Remove from heat, fold in unsalted butter until seamlessly smooth, then transfer to a glass container and refrigerate overnight for proper setting.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease.
4. Cake Batter Creation: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer, then introduce eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition.
5. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate lemon zest, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, then gently fold in dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – mixing until just combined.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared dish, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
7. Cooling and Resting: Allow cake to cool completely within the pan, maintaining its structural integrity.
8. Frosting Development: Whip softened butter and cream cheese until creamy, gradually blending powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting texture with heavy cream.
9. Cake Assembly: Extract cake from pan, puncture surface with a fork, fill perforations with lemon curd, and lavishly spread frosting across the surface.
10. Final Flourish: Embellish with strategic dollops of lemon curd for a visually appealing presentation.

Notes

• Precision Whisking: Continuous whisking prevents egg scrambling and ensures smooth, silky lemon curd texture.
• Temperature Control: Use low, steady heat when making lemon curd to avoid curdling and maintain delicate consistency.
• Overnight Chilling: Refrigerating lemon curd allows flavors to develop and helps achieve perfect, spreadable thickness.
• Gentle Mixing: Fold dry ingredients minimally to preserve cake’s tender crumb and prevent dense, tough texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg