Quick And Easy Gluten Free Lemon Curd Cake

Indulge in the refreshing tanginess of a Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cake. This delightful dessert combines the zesty goodness of lemon curd with a moist and tender gluten-free cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply craving a delicious treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Make Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cake
This recipe offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade cake that’s both gluten-free and bursting with citrus flavor. The lemon curd adds a delightful tartness to the moist and fluffy cake, making it a delightful option for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days when you need a simple yet satisfying dessert.
How to Make Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cake
For Lemon Curd:
- Combine sugar and lemon zest in a non-metal bowl, rubbing the zest into the sugar.
- Add egg yolks and salt, mixing until slightly fluffy and paler in color.
- Heat lemon juice until boiling, then slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture while stirring constantly.
- Return mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cubed butter until melted, then strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Cover directly with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature.
For Lemon Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Rub sugar and lemon zest together in a large bowl.
- Add buttermilk, melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla, whisking until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan, then dollop lemon curd over the batter.
- Swirl the lemon curd into the batter with a knife or spoon handle.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cake warm or cooled with extra lemon curd for an added burst of citrus flavor. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage Info
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Make sure to cover the cake to prevent it from drying out.
Some Techniques or Tips
- To ensure a moist and tender cake, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the lemon curd and cake according to your taste preference by adding more or less sugar.
FAQs about Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Curd Cake
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making it from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience. Simply dollop it over the cake batter as directed in the recipe.
- Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk or a dairy-free alternative? Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with an equal amount of regular milk or dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk, combined with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
- Can I freeze this cake for later? Yes, you can freeze the cooled cake for up to 1-2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Quick And Easy Gluten Free Lemon Curd Cake
Ingredients for Lemon Curd:
- 100 g (½ cup) caster/superfine or granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (organic unwaxed recommended)
- 3 US large/UK medium egg yolks, room temperature
- ¼ tsp salt
- 60 g (¼ cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 55 g (½ stick) unsalted butter, cubed
Ingredients for Lemon Cake:
- 125 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) caster/superfine or granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (organic unwaxed recommended)
- 115 g (½ cup) buttermilk, room temperature
- 85 g (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm
- 25 g (2 tbsp) sunflower or vegetable oil (or other neutral-tasting oil)
- 2 US large/UK medium eggs, room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 150 g (1¼ cups) plain gluten-free flour blend
- 35 g (⅓ cup) almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains xanthan gum)
- ¼ tsp salt
You will also need:
- 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling over the cake before baking
Instructions:
For Lemon Curd:
- Combine sugar and lemon zest in a non-metal bowl. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips.
- Add egg yolks and salt, then mix until slightly fluffy and paler in color.
- Heat lemon juice until just boiling, then slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture while stirring constantly.
- Return mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cubed butter until melted, then strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Cover directly with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature.
For Lemon Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Rub sugar and lemon zest together in a large bowl.
- Add buttermilk, melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan, then dollop lemon curd over the batter.
- Swirl the lemon curd into the batter with a knife or spoon handle.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or cooled with extra lemon curd.