This is the 4th time I've baked this cake and it's still our favorite!

Howdy, lovelies! It's Mckayla here, and today I'm going to share a sweet little slice of sunshine, perfect for bringing a bit of joy to those gray days or for celebrating the bright ones. We're talking about a scrumptious Lemon Custard Cake—a dessert that's been a staple for decades in family recipe boxes across the heartland. This dessert reminds us of Sunday dinners at grandma's house and picnics in the countryside. It’s as much a treat for the senses as it is a nod to tradition, and it's just the recipe you need when you're looking to sweeten up your family time. So, let’s get baking, and bring a little zest to your table!

Our Lemon Custard Cake is delightful all on its own, but if you're thinking about how to make a full dessert spread, I'd recommend pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of fresh berries not only adds color but also a juicy burst that complements the tangy lemon. And for the grown-ups, a cup of hot tea or a chilly glass of sweet moscato can turn dessert into a real occasion.

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease an 8-inch cake pan. Sometimes I like to line it with parchment paper for easy removal—just a little trick for you.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, butter, and oil until they’re just like a summer day—light and fluffy. Blend in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

4. Now, add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture in increments, alternating with the lemon juice and milk. Stir until it's as smooth as a calm lake at dawn.

5. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, folk—think snowy mountaintops. Gently fold them into the batter until they're just a whisper within it.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and give it a smooth finish with the back of a spoon or a spatula.

7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test—just insert one in the center and it should come out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool for a bit before taking it out of the pan. Then let it cool completely, because patience is a virtue that yields sweet rewards.

9. Finally, dust that beauty of a cake with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a little touch of elegance, you know?

Variations & Tips:

- If you have anyone at home who’s not a fan of lemon, you can substitute the lemon juice and zest with orange for a different type of citrusy delight.
- Likewise, for a dairy-free option, swap the milk with your choice of almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- If you want that custard layer to be even more pronounced, separate the mixtures and bake for a shorter time. The top will be a lovely sponge, and the bottom custardy as a dream.
- And my last little tip, dear hearts, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s just as delectable chilled the next day.

There you have it, my dears—a special treat that's sure to bring some extra love to the dessert table. Enjoy your baking, and remember, every meal is a moment to make memories with your loved ones!