Lemon Meringue Cake
Homeamde three tiered lemon meringue cake featuring layers of moist lemon cake, fresh lemon curd and meringue frosting! A perfect dessert for Spring!
I’m still having a hard time believing that it’s really Spring. Of course, it’s felt like Spring for ages and we don’t have any snow on the ground. A big plus for when the weather finally stays nice and consistently warm! We still seem to be on a roller coaster ride with the temps though. Up into the 60s and back down into the 30s. Rainy and then sunny. It’s New England, so it’s expected, but still weird. I’m totally okay with it being like this though. I’d take this strange weather over our extreme Winters and early Springs any time!
And another ‘I can’t believe’… it’s almost April! How is that even possible. The end of this week and we’ll be venturing into a new month. But that’s a good thing. Inching towards all things green and warm(er). Also… April Fools’ Day! Do you do anything special to celebrate the day? Play pranks on your family, friends or co-workers? I haven’t done anything to trick the kids, but I’ve definitely pulled the old elastic on the sink sprayer bit on the Mr. I saw a post recently that shared a bunch of pretty hilarious pranks to play on kids. Many included fake bugs or snakes…all of which I don’t have, but if I did, you bet I’d be using them. A giant spider in the mailbox. A giant bug inside of a lamp, causing a shadow. Things like that.
I went to see Allegiant last week. I’d been waiting basically since last Fall. It didn’t disappoint. Obviously more futuristic compared to the first few movies, but for good reason. Now I have a long wait until the final movie comes out in another year. Such a long wait! Did you see anything good over the long weekend? Most people seemed to be heading to see the new Batman vs Superman movie. I’m still not sure how I feel about the premise of that one… or the actors.
I’ve always been a huge fan of lemon…anything! Drinks, desserts, breakfast goodies… you name it! It’s one of those classic flavors that just screams Spring. The moment the weather starts getting nicer, I’m completely craving everything lemon flavored.
Fresh. Fruity. And bright!
I reinvented one of my all time favorite cupcakes into an over the top layer cake!
This homemade lemon meringue layer cake features three moist layers of lemon cake, fresh lemon curd and meringue frosting! A must make dessert for all of your Spring celebrations and gatherings.
Psst… Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I’m positive all moms would love a slice! Be sure to add this fun lemon meringue cake to your Spring baking plans! You won’t regret it.
Lemon Meringue Cake
Ingredients
- 1 batch lemon curd
Cake:
- 3/4 C unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- zest of 2 lemons
- 6 Tb lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 C all purpose flour
- 1 C sour cream
Lemon buttercream:
- 1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Tb lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 C powdered sugar
Meringue frosting:
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- 1 C granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare lemon curd ahead, as directed. Can be prepared days or weeks ahead of time. Keep chilled until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 3: 8-inch round pans, discarding extra flour. Optionally, parchment paper may be added to the bottom of each pan, but is not necessary. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. With mixer on low, add salt, baking powder and baking soda. Finally, alternate additions of flour and sour cream, mixing until fully combined and no streaks remain. Divide between prepared baking pans. Use a small offset spatula to spread batter into an even layer. *(see note)
- Bake cakes for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely in pans, set on a wire rack. When cakes are cool, carefully run a knife or metal spatula around the edge of the cakes. Invert pans and wrap well in plastic. Store overnight in the refrigerator to firm up.
- In a medium bowl, prepare lemon buttercream. Beat together butter and powdered sugar, followed by lemon juice. Mix until just combined. Transfer to a piping bag fit with a small round tip, or snip off the end, creating a 1/4-1/2-inch opening.
- Place one cake layer on a cake turntable or cake stand. Pipe a border of frosting around the top edge. This will create a wall to hold the curd in. Add roughly 1/2-cup lemon curd to the center of the first cake layer. Spread out with a small offset spatula to the edge of the frosting. Place a second layer of cake on top, pipe an additional edge of frosting and fill with remaining lemon curd. Top off with remaining cake layer. Chill cake while preparing meringue frosting. If using a cake turntable, transfer cake to desired serving plate or cake stand prior to frosting with meringue.
- In a large metal bowl, set over simmering water, whisk together egg whites, granulated sugar and cream of tartar. Continue whisking until frothy and egg whites are warm to the touch. Transfer bowl to a stand mixer, fit with a whisk attachment. Beat until stiff and glossy peaks form. Add vanilla in last 30 seconds. Meringue may be spread on the cake with an offset spatula or added to a large piping bag fit with a large flat piping tip. Start at the top or bottom of the cake, working your way in the opposite direction. Use an offset spatula or teaspoon to create patterns in the frosting. Lightly char with a handheld kitchen torch.
- Slice and serve.
- Store remaining cake covered in an airtight container for up to several days. For best results, press plastic wrap against exposed cake layers to retain freshness.
Notes
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This cake looks so amazing! Especially the meringue frosting!
Thanks Medeja!
Oh this cake screams spring :) gorgeous! And I can’t wait to see Allegiant!! And my opinion on the new batman vs. superman I was confused for 3/4 of it and not sure it was worth the 3-d movie cost! I’d wait to until it’ comes in dvd form ;) but that’s just my opinion!
Definitely waiting to see that one on DVD. I only occasionally go to the movies so when I do it has to be something I REALLY want to see. :)
Oh wow – Rachel – this is one spectacularly gorgeous cake! Perfectly flavored for the changing seasons – I went and saw Allegiant too, but was disappointed – it’s nothing like the book – and thanks for the idea to put a bug in the mailbox – I’ve pulled pranks on co-workers and my daughter in the past – but never put a bug in the mailbox before! :)
Thanks so much Shashi! And you know what… it’s been so long since I read the book that differences weren’t super noticeable to me. I guess I was just hoping to enjoy it no matter what. Maybe that’s a good thing. :)
I’ve decided that if we ever meet we have to eat something lemon if it’s spring and apple if it’s fall, we clearly love both of these things! This lemon meringue cake is so beautiful and the meringue is that perfect toasty brown color! Love.
Yes!! We definitely do need to have a seasonal food fest if we ever meet up. :)
Dear Rachel, you have combine two of my favorites for one stunningly decadent dessert. This is just bursting with flavor..such a bright cake to welcome Spring with. xo, Catherine
Thanks Catherine!
This cake looks so stunning!! I love lemon and it instantly makes me think spring too! Our weather has been insane here as well. Last Tuesday it was 70 degrees then the next day a full force blizzard!
Thanks Malinda!! Stay warm! :)
Love the lemon in this cake!
Thanks Taylor!
Your meringue is so gorgeous!
Thanks Julianne!
This is stunning! We will be pranking our families by telling them they can have brownies for breakfast. Instead we’ll be serving brown letter”E”s!
Thanks so much Trina. And I love that brown-E trick. :)
This cake is stunning! I love any desert with lemon in. Can’t wait to try making this. ?
Thanks Lucy!
Do you have to do the cake batter 3 time ? I made it once but I feel like it’s not enought and the layers are too thin?
Thank you
The ingredients listed are for the full three layers. If yours turned out thin, it’s possible that your baking powder or baking soda have expired. Be sure to check those, as they’ll have a huge impact on the cake.