Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers

Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers is a light, zesty, and absolutely delightful dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of meringue and the soft texture of a butter cake. This cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration, a family gathering, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself. The layers of soft cake and crispy meringue create a beautiful contrast in texture, while the lemon curd and whipped cream filling add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With a few simple steps, this cake is easy to make but looks elegant and impressive on any dessert table.

The combination of the tangy lemon curd and fluffy meringue gives this cake a refreshing lightness, and it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this cake the ultimate indulgence for lemon lovers. Whether you prefer it chilled for a more structured slice or served immediately for a fresh, airy dessert, this Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers will leave you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers is an extraordinary dessert for many reasons. The cake itself is light and moist, offering a soft, buttery foundation that complements the fluffy meringue topping. The addition of lemon curd provides a tangy, sweet filling that perfectly balances the richness of the cake and meringue. This cake is also a great make-ahead option, as it chills beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat for your family, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of textures—from the crisp meringue to the smooth filling—creates a delightful experience with every bite. This recipe is a perfect way to showcase the versatility of lemon in a dessert while adding a touch of elegance with its meringue layers.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs, separated
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

For the Meringue:

• Egg whites
• Granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• Lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream, whipped

Variations

• Lemon Meringue Cupcakes: Instead of baking the cake in layers, bake individual cupcakes and top each with meringue. You can serve them with a dollop of lemon curd and whipped cream.
• Flavored Meringue: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the meringue for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Different Filling: For a twist, use a cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream, or replace lemon curd with other fruit curds such as raspberry or passion fruit.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

Step 2: Make the Meringue

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Layers

Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Spread the meringue evenly over the batter in both pans, swirling to create a textured effect. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meringue is crisp and lightly golden. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Assemble the Lemon Meringue Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, meringue side up. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top, followed by a layer of lemon curd. Place the second cake layer on top, meringue side up, and gently press down.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set, or serve immediately for a fresh, zesty treat. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature to make the batter mix more easily and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Stiff Meringue: Whisk the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. The meringue should be glossy and firm to maintain its shape when baked.
• Chill the Cake: Allowing the cake to chill before serving helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: When folding in the dry ingredients and milk, do it gently to avoid deflating the batter and to maintain a light, airy texture.
• Use Fresh Lemon Curd: If possible, opt for homemade lemon curd to get a more vibrant flavor.

How to Serve

Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers can be served as a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. Serve slices of the cake chilled for a more structured presentation, or serve immediately for a lighter, airy texture. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh lemon zest to enhance the flavor and appearance.

For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra lemon curd. A fresh mint sprig can also be added for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake layers and meringue can lose some of their crispness over time, so it is best to enjoy the cake within a couple of days.

Freezing

While the meringue might lose some of its crispness, the cake can be frozen. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reassemble with fresh whipped cream and lemon curd before serving.

Reheating

If serving the cake cold, there is no need to reheat. If you prefer it warm, you can lightly warm individual slices in the microwave, but the meringue may soften.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, store-bought lemon curd is a convenient option and will work perfectly in this recipe. However, homemade lemon curd will provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

2. Can I make the meringue ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the meringue just before baking, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. What can I do if my meringue doesn’t hold stiff peaks?

Ensure that your bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease or moisture. Additionally, avoid over-beating the egg whites, as this can cause them to break down.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the consistency of the batter, as gluten-free flours may absorb liquids differently.

5. Can I use a different flavor of curd?

Yes, you can replace the lemon curd with other fruit curds such as raspberry, passionfruit, or orange for a different flavor profile.

6. How long will the cake last in the fridge?

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best eaten within 1-2 days for the best texture.

7. How do I prevent the meringue from weeping?

To avoid weeping, make sure the meringue is baked until it is crisp and golden. Additionally, ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the meringue and lemon curd filling.

8. Can I freeze the meringue cake?

The meringue may lose some of its crispness when frozen, but the cake layers and filling can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Assemble the cake fresh after thawing.

9. How can I make the cake lighter?

To make the cake lighter, fold the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing the batter. You can also reduce the amount of butter slightly for a less rich texture.

10. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, you can add fresh berries or other fruits between the cake layers along with the lemon curd for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Lemon Cake with Fluffy Meringue Layers is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the bright, refreshing taste of lemon paired with the sweetness of meringue and whipped cream. The combination of these elements creates a delightful and visually stunning cake that is sure to impress. Whether served for a special occasion or as a simple treat, this cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its light texture, zesty flavor, and beautiful presentation, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Print