As a little girl, there was nothing quite as delightful as watching my grandmother’s kitchen come alive with the bright, fresh scents of citrus during the summer months. The family would gather around, laughter and stories mingling with mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air. One of the most memorable treasures from those days was her luscious Lemon Volcano dessert. It was a crown jewel of our family gatherings, with its cheerful yellow hue and surprising burst of flavor that left everyone asking for seconds—and thirds.
This recipe not only embraces the vibrancy of summer but also brings joy and nostalgia to any gathering. The ‘volcano’ effect, where warm lemon curd erupts from the center, is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate. Perfect for summer barbecues or a light finish to holiday feasts, this Lemon Volcano will definitely be the highlight of your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Volcano Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Bright lemon flavor that’s tangy yet sweet.
- Impressive Presentation: A stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
- Anyone Can Make It: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Easy cleanup means more time enjoying.
- Perfect for Summer: Light and refreshing, ideal for warm weather.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or individual ramekins for individual servings.
Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add in the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest; stir until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just blended.
Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes for the round cake or 20-25 minutes for ramekins, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Create the Volcano Effect
- Once cooled, carefully invert the cake to unveil its lovely, soft underside. Using a spoon, create a small hollow in the center of the cake, filling it with extra lemon curd, which will deliver that delightful ‘eruption’ when served.
Tips & Variations
- Add Berries: Toss in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Tangy: Increase the lemon juice and zest according to your taste preference.
- Chill Before Serving: Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; it should last for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Servings: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled juice can be used.
-
What can I substitute for milk?
- Use almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option.
-
How can I make it less sweet?
- Reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup, and balance it with more lemon juice if needed.
-
Can I make this in advance?
- Yes! This dessert can be made a day ahead; just store it properly and add the fresh lemon curd before serving.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Volcano is not just about the wonderful taste; it embodies the memories of familial love and joyous gatherings. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen as well. I’d love to hear about your experiences with this dish! Share your thoughts or any unique twists you add in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Lemon Volcano
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring a warm lemon curd center, perfect for summer gatherings and family feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or individual ramekins.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add in milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest; stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes for the round cake or 20-25 minutes for ramekins, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once cooled, carefully invert the cake. Use a spoon to create a small hollow in the center, filling it with extra lemon curd for the ‘eruption’ effect when served.
Notes
For added twist, toss in berries, or make it gluten-free with a flour blend. Chill before serving for a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg