The Lemon Cream Crumble Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines a crumbly, buttery crust with a fresh and smooth lemon cream filling. The contrast between the crunchy base and the creamy, tangy lemon filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Every bite offers the zesty brightness of lemon paired with the satisfying crispness of the pastry. This dessert is ideal for those who love a mix of sweet and tart flavors, and it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual afternoons to special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this Lemon Cream Crumble Cake for its simple yet vibrant flavor profile. The buttery crumble contrasts beautifully with the refreshing, citrusy cream filling, making it a light yet indulgent treat. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich flavor of the lemon cream, ensures this cake will be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re looking for a dessert that’s elegant or simply comforting, this cake will fit the bill. It’s also versatile enough to serve for various occasions, from tea time to after-dinner indulgences.
Perfect Occasion: This Lemon Cream Crumble Cake is ideal for a wide range of events. It’s the perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings when you want something light, fresh, and bursting with citrus flavor. Serve it as a delightful end to a dinner party or at a brunch spread where it will shine among other pastries. It’s also great for family get-togethers, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness that pleases every palate. With its refreshing lemon notes, this cake is perfect for warm afternoons or festive celebrations.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the presentation of this beautiful cake, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest just before serving. This not only adds a burst of color but also intensifies the lemon flavor. For a more festive touch, you can garnish the cake with thin lemon slices or a few edible flowers. If serving at a special occasion, try arranging fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries around the plate for a pop of color that complements the lemon cream.
Ingredients
(For a 20-24 cm baking tin)
For the crust and crumble:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 110 g sugar
- 120 g butter, cubed (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the lemon cream:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150 g sugar
- 30 g cornstarch
- 250 ml water
- 30 g butter
- 50 ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and grated lemon zest. Gradually add the water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the cream starts to thicken. Once thickened, add the butter and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 3-5 minutes. After cooling, whisk in the egg and lemon juice until the cream is smooth. Set aside to cool further.
- Make the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cubed butter, and egg. Use your hands to crumble the dough together until it forms a mixture of small, pea-sized pieces. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20-24 cm baking tin with parchment paper. Take a little more than half of the crumble mixture and press it into the bottom of the pan, making sure to compact it firmly to form the base. Press the dough slightly up the sides to form a border. Pour the prepared lemon cream over the base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the lemon cream to cover it.
- Bake the Cake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- Serve: After the cake has cooled, sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar and some freshly grated lemon zest for a burst of flavor and color. Slice and enjoy this refreshing, creamy dessert.
Enjoy!
