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This cake gets its name from the “magic” that happens during baking — one simple batter transforms into three distinct layers: a sponge top, creamy lemon custard in the middle, and a soft cake base. It’s perfect as a light dessert after a meal or as a citrusy treat with coffee.
⏱️ Prep & Bake Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 50–60 minutes
- Cool + chill time: 2–3 hours
- Total time: ~3.5 hours (including chilling)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square or round baking dish
- Electric mixer (or hand whisk)
- 2 mixing bowls
- Fine grater/zester
- Spatula
- Sieve (for dusting sugar)
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) lukewarm milk
- Zest of 1–2 lemons
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Eggs must be at room temperature for proper whipping.
- Lemon zest adds a fragrant, aromatic touch — use organic lemons if possible.
- Use whole milk for best texture, but 2% also works.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C / 320°F. Grease and line your baking dish with parchment paper.
- Separate the eggs. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add melted butter to the yolk mixture, followed by lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add flour gradually, mixing until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the lukewarm milk, whisking until the batter is very thin and smooth.
- Gently fold in the egg whites in 3 batches. The batter will be lumpy and liquidy — this is normal.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and firm to the touch (but the cake still jiggles slightly).
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. The layers will firm up as it chills.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Slice carefully to reveal the 3 magical layers.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 9 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Carbs | ~25 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Protein | ~6 g |
| Sugar | ~18 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use oranges instead of lemons for an orange-flavored version.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/2 tsp lemon extract.
- Don’t overfold the egg whites — a slightly curdled appearance is fine.
- Store in the fridge up to 3 days; serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a raspberry coulis for extra flair.
