When it comes to delightful springtime treats, my lemon meringue cake recipe is a true showstopper. This luscious cake features layers of soft, moist lemon cake generously filled with tangy lemon curd and frosted with a creamy meringue topping. Originally inspired by a pavlova-topped cake, this revamped version boasts a more elegant and delicious twist, perfect for any celebration.
Crafted for Sugar Salt Magic’s 3rd birthday, this lemon meringue cake is a trifecta of goodness in one stunning presentation. The fresh and bold flavors of lemon paired with the sweet and airy meringue frosting make this cake a standout choice for special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day. With simple step-by-step instructions, creating this masterpiece at home is a breeze.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients needed to create this luscious lemon meringue cake that will delight your taste buds with its burst of fresh lemon flavor and airy meringue topping.
For the Lemon Cake
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for sprinkling)
For the Lemon Curd
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Equipment Needed
To create this delectable lemon meringue cake, you will need the following equipment:
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 Round Cake Pans (8-inch)
- Parchment Paper
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling Rack
For the Lemon Curd:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh Strainer
- Stand Mixer with Whisk Attachment
- Small Saucepan
- Kitchen Torch (optional)
- Offset Spatula
Having these essential pieces of equipment ready will ensure a smooth baking process and help you achieve a flawless lemon meringue cake that is both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.
Preparation Steps
Preheat and Prepare Pans
As I dive into creating this luscious lemon meringue cake, my first step is to preheat the oven to 350°F. I then take a 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a light coat of nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.
Preparing the Lemon Curd
With the oven warming up, it’s time to make the delightful lemon curd. I prepare the lemon buttercream by whipping together butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of lemon juice until it’s perfectly blended. Once done, I transfer this tangy goodness to a piping bag to await its turn in the cake assembly.
Directions
Mixing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F (Non-Fan Assisted).
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat, then set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla beans (if using).
- Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt over the sugar mixture. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Cake flour is recommended for a softer sponge, but plain flour works fine too.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the prepared cake batter into round cake pans lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for the specified time until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Beat egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar until frothy in a clean bowl.
- Cook sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches 240ºF without stirring.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites with the mixer running.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the bowl feels cool to the touch.
- Spread the meringue evenly on top of the chilled cake and toast it with a kitchen torch for a golden finish.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the lemon meringue cake is a delightful process that brings together all the delicious components into one beautifully layered creation. Here’s how I layer and apply the meringue for a perfect finish:
How to Layer
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Start by placing one cake layer trimmed side up on a plate or cake stand.
- Add Lemon Curd: Top the first cake layer with about 1 cup of lemon curd, spreading it evenly to the edges using an offset spatula.
- Repeat the Process: Place the second cake layer on top of the lemon curd and add another layer of lemon curd. Ensure the curd reaches the edges.
- Final Cake Layer: Place the last cake layer trimmed side down onto the lemon curd, creating a layered effect.
- Spread Meringue: Using a spatula, evenly spread the meringue on top of the chilled cake, covering the top and sides.
- Decorative Swirls: Use a spoon to create decorative swirls on the meringue, adding a visually appealing touch to the cake.
- Toasting the Meringue: For the finishing touch, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the outer edges of the meringue, giving it a beautifully golden finish. Alternatively, you can briefly place it under a hot grill.
Baking Tips
When baking a lemon meringue cake, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful result.
Achieving Perfect Peaks
To achieve perfect peaks in your meringue frosting, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whisking. This helps in getting the stiffest peaks possible. Additionally, adding cream of tartar to the egg whites helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape beautifully on top of the cake.
Cake Storage Advice
To store your freshly baked lemon meringue cake, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the soft nature of the meringue frosting, it’s important to shield the cake from excess moisture to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. Enjoy your cake within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Customize Your Lemon Meringue Cake
Adding your personal touch to a classic lemon meringue cake can elevate its taste and appearance, making it uniquely yours.
Flavor Variations
- Citrus Infusion: Experiment with different citrus flavors by swapping lemon for lime or orange. Incorporating zest from other citrus fruits adds a delightful twist to the cake.
- Berry Burst: Introduce a burst of freshness with berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Layer the cake with a thin spread of berry jam between the lemon curd for a fruity surprise.
- Herbal Essence: Infuse herbal flavors like thyme, basil, or lavender into the cake batter. These aromatic herbs can provide a subtle yet refreshing taste that complements the lemony sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Toppings: Garnish the cake with slices of fresh lemon or your favorite berries. The vibrant colors of the fruits not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a pop of freshness to each slice.
- Floral Accents: Decorate the meringue frosting with edible flowers such as pansies, violets, or roses. These delicate blooms create an elegant and whimsical look, perfect for special occasions.
- Dessert Artistry: Get creative with piping techniques to create intricate designs on the meringue. From classic swirls to intricate patterns, piping allows you to showcase your artistic flair and impress your guests.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delightful lemon meringue cake recipe that’s perfect for any special occasion. From the layers of zesty lemon cake to the luscious lemon curd and fluffy meringue frosting, this dessert is a showstopper. Don’t forget the essential tips on equipment, baking techniques, and how to store this delectable treat.
Customizing your lemon meringue cake opens up a world of possibilities. Experiment with different citrus flavors, add bursts of berries or herbal infusions, and get creative with garnishes like fresh fruits or edible flowers. Elevate your cake with unique piping techniques for stunning meringue designs that will impress your guests.
These variations are designed to take your classic lemon meringue cake to the next level, enhancing both its flavor and visual appeal. Let your creativity shine through as you create a personalized masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more.