Perfectly Fluffy Lemon Cake: A Simple Guide to Meringue Topping

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

180 grams (6.5 ounces) unsalted butter (82%)

3 eggs

200 grams (7 ounces) sugar

280 grams (10 ounces) flour

45 ml (1.5 ounces) lemon juice

180 ml (6 ounces) milk

7 grams (0.25 ounces) baking powder

Zest of 2 lemons

We recommend:

For unsalted butter 82%:

4.7

(15) LES PRES SALES Sea Salt Camargue Butter 8.8 oz (8 units) $99.99 View details

For granulated sugar:

Prime best seller

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1

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(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)

4.8

(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For all-purpose flour:

Prime

4.8

(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime

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(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller

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(20,691) King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary $8.62 View details

For lemon juice:

Prime

4.5

(430) Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack) $66.99 View details Prime

4.7

(11,255) Realemon 100% Lemon Juice, 2.5 oz $4.01 View details Prime best seller

TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets

4.6

(67,501) TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets $6.93 View details

For whole milk:

Prime

(7) Prairie Farms Whole Milk - Shelf Stable, Boxed UHT Ultra Pasteurized Milk, Vitamin D White Milk - Preservative and Hormone Free - 1 Quart (12 Pack) $80.99 View details Prime

4.4

(11,397) Heilala Vanilla Paste Range (2.29 oz (Alcohol Free)) $15.97 View details

For baking powder:

Prime

4.8

(10,144) Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce $2.63 View details Prime

4.7

(10,727) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 Ounce $1.79 View details Prime best seller

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(8,361) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Powder Aluminum Free, 10 Ounce $3.29 View details

For lemon zest:

Prime

Lorann Oils Lemon Bakery Emulsion: Tangy Lemon Essence, Perfect for Amplifying Citrus Tones in Cakes, Cookies & Desserts, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Lemon Extract Alternative Essential

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4.7

(8) Earthborn Elements Lemon Peel Granules, 1 Gallon Bucket, Pure & Natural, Food Grade $49.99 View details Prime

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(7,110) SPICE HUNTER LEMON PEEL GRATED $7.49 View details

Syrup

80 grams (3 ounces) sugar

40 ml (1.5 ounces) lemon juice

We recommend:

For granulated sugar:

Prime best seller

4.8

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For lemon juice:

Prime

4.5

(430) Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack) $66.99 View details Prime

4.7

(11,255) Realemon 100% Lemon Juice, 2.5 oz $4.01 View details Prime best seller

4.6

(67,501) TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets $6.93 View details

Meringue

40 grams (1.5 ounces) egg whites

100 grams (3.5 ounces) sugar

35 ml (1 ounce) water

1/2 teaspoon citric acid

We recommend:

For egg whites:

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(5) Egg Whites International 100% Pure Liquid Egg Whites Designed to Drink. NOW 100% CAGE FREE (4 Gallons & Pump) $214.95 View details Prime

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Judee’s Dried Egg White Protein Powder 2 lb - Pasteurized, USDA Certified, 100% Non-GMO - Gluten-Free and Nut-Free - Just One Ingredient - Made in USA - Use in Baking - Make Whipped Egg Whites

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(954) Judee’s Dried Egg White Protein Powder 2 lb - Pasteurized, USDA Certified, 100% Non-GMO - Gluten-Free and Nut-Free - Just One Ingredient - Made in USA - Use in Baking - Make Whipped Egg Whites $60.99 View details

For granulated sugar:

Prime best seller

4.8

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For distilled water:

(3) Pure Life Distilled Water, 1 Gallon, Plastic Bottled Water 12 Bottles Of 1 Gallon Each (12 Total Gallons) $99.99 View details Prime

Resway American Red Cross Distilled Water | Travel Bottles for Resmed, Respironics Machines, Personal Humidifier | Medical Supplies for Vacation | Travel-Friendly, Clean | 16.9oz H2O (12 Pack)

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4.8

(473) Pure Life Distilled Water (1 Gallon Bottles - 2 Cases of 6 (12 Gallons)) $42.99 View details

For citric acid:

4.8

(23) Duda Energy ca50 50 lb. Pail of Non-GMO Organic Citric Acid, Food Grade FCC/USP, Anhydrous, Pure Fine Granular $155.26 View details Prime

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(49,964) Milliard Citric Acid 2 Pound - 100% Pure Food Grade NON-GMO Project VERIFIED (2 Pound) $14.99 View details Prime

Roots Circle All-Natural Citric Acid | 1 Pack - 1.87 Pounds | Kosher for Passover | Food-Grade Flavor Enhancer, Household Cleaner & Preservative | for Skincare, Cooking, Baking, Bath Bombs

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(11,310) Roots Circle All-Natural Citric Acid | 1 Pack - 1.87 Pounds | Kosher for Passover | Food-Grade Flavor Enhancer, Household Cleaner & Preservative | for Skincare, Cooking, Baking, Bath Bombs $13.49 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare Dry Ingredients

Mix and sift all dry ingredients.

Combine lemon juice with milk.

Step 2

Prepare Cake Batter

Beat room-temperature butter well with sugar.

Add eggs and beat well.

Incorporate half of the dry ingredients.

Add half of the milk and blend.

Incorporate the remaining dry ingredients.

Add the remaining milk and lemon zest, and mix until smooth.

Place the batter in a pan.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare Syrup

Heat sugar with lemon juice on the stove and bring to a boil.

Wait for the sugar to dissolve, remove from heat, and soak the cake with the syrup.

Step 4

Prepare Meringue

Mix sugar with water in a saucepan and place on medium heat.

When the syrup reaches 107°C (225°F), start beating the egg whites.

At 115°C (240°F), add the citric acid to the syrup.

At 123°C (255°F), remove the syrup from the heat.

Gradually pour the syrup into the beating egg whites and continue to beat for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Finish the Cake

Apply the meringue to the cake.

Torch the meringue until golden brown.

Servings

Indulging in this delectable lemon meringue cake is a treat in itself, but why not make it extra special? Here are some **fun** 💫 and **unique** ✨ ways to serve it:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Fruits: Add a sprig of fresh mint and a few raspberries or blueberries around the cake for a burst of color and freshness. Herb leaves like basil can also complement the lemon flavor wonderfully.

Serve with a Scoop of Sorbet: Enhance the citrus theme by serving each slice with a smear of lemon or lime sorbet 🍨. The cold sorbet provides a delightful contrast to the fluffy cake.

Go Vintage: Serve your cake on a beautiful vintage cake stand and pair it with antique tea sets. Imagine enjoying a slice with a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea ☕️.

Mini Versions for Parties: Create mini lemon meringue cupcakes using the same recipe for your next party. Desserts in mini sizes are always a hit and perfect for sharing.

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Use at least three different-sized bowls – one for the dry ingredients, one for the wet ingredients, and one for the meringue. Make sure they are clean and free of any oil for the meringue to whip properly.

We recommend:

Prime

Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki)

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(27,811) Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki) $32.28 $37.99 View details

Electric Mixer

Essential for beating the butter, sugar, and eggs to a fluffy consistency and for creating perfectly whipped meringue.

We recommend:

Prime best seller

4.8

(9,786) KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black $279.99 $329.99 View details

Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria

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(9,824) Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Silver $95.99 $119.99 View details

Baking Pan

A standard 9-inch round baking pan will work well. Opt for a non-stick one or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

We recommend:

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(27,069) Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 9.5 x 5 Inch, Set of 2, Gray $13.49 View details

Spatula

For folding ingredients and smoothing the batter into the pan.

We recommend:

Prime

HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5

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(18,655) Wilton Icing Spatula - 13-Inch Angled Cake Spatula for Smoothing Frosting on Treats or Spreading Filling Between Cake Layers, Steel $7.98 $8.75 View details

Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade

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Small Saucepan

For heating the syrup and the meringue mixture. Ensure consistent heat for best results.

We recommend:

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(9,521) Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan with Detachable handle & Glass Lid (1, Silver - Black, 2 QT) $18.99 $28.99 View details

Kitchen Torch

To give that beautiful golden finish to your meringue. If you don't have a torch, a few minutes under the broiler can work.

We recommend:

Prime

Blow Torch, Professional Kitchen Cooking Torch with Lock Adjustable Flame Refillable Mini Blow Torch Lighter for BBQ, Baking, Brulee Creme, Crafts and Soldering(Butane Gas Not Included)

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Variations

For those with dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy this delicious lemon meringue cake 🎉. Here are some **gluten-free** and **vegan** variations:

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace the regular flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. 🙌

Vegan Variation: Swap the butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk. For the eggs, use an egg replacer like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) 🌱. As for the meringue, consider using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as your egg white substitute.

Faq

Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer for the meringue?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but be prepared for a bit of an arm workout! An electric stand mixer will make the process faster and easier.
How can I tell if my meringue is at the right consistency?
The meringue should form stiff, glossy peaks. If you lift the mixer out of the bowl, the peaks should stand up straight without falling over.
Can I use another citrus fruit instead of lemon?
Absolutely! Lime or orange can be fantastic substitutes, giving a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Can I prepare parts of this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the syrup a day before. Store the cake wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerate the syrup. Assemble fresh meringue shortly before serving for the best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. The meringue might lose a bit of its texture, but the cake will remain delicious.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?
You can double the ingredients, but do so with caution. Ensure you have a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. The larger cake may need extra baking time.