Italian Lemon Magic Cake

Here’s a delicious Italian Lemon Magic Cake recipe! This cake is known for its “magic” separation into three layers during baking: a fluffy sponge top, a creamy custard center, and a dense base — all from one batter. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for summer.

🍋 Italian Lemon Magic Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature (separated)

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour

• 1¾ cups (400 ml) whole milk, lukewarm

• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Egg Yolks Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the water, lemon zest, and melted butter. Mix well.

3. Add Flour
   Gradually add the flour and mix until smooth.

4. Add Milk and Lemon Juice
   Slowly mix in the lukewarm milk and lemon juice. The batter will be quite thin — that’s normal!

5. Beat Egg Whites
   In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the salt until stiff peaks form.

6. Fold Egg Whites Into Batter
   Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon batter a little at a time. The mixture will look a bit lumpy or uneven — this is expected. Don’t overmix.

7. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. The center should still have a slight jiggle.

8. Cool and Chill
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

9. Serve
   Dust with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

✅ Tips:

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.

• If your oven runs hot, cover the top with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

• This cake is delicate, so use a serrated knife to cut clean slices.