Delicate individual cakes that magically separate into two layers as they bake in a water bath: a light, spongy cake on top and a creamy lemon-orange custard on the bottom.

Author

Unknown


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
4Eggs, separated
3/4 cupSugar
3 tablespoonsAll-Purpose Flour, sifted
1 cupMilk, lukewarm
1 teaspoonLemon Juice
1 teaspoonOrange Juice
1 teaspoonVanilla Extract
1 tsp, to tasteGrated Lemon Rind and Orange Rind

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter about 8 custard cups or ramekins and arrange them inside a larger baking pan (like a 9x13 pan).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the sugar.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice, orange juice, vanilla extract, and grated rinds.
  4. Mix in the sifted flour, then slowly whisk in the lukewarm milk until the batter is smooth and thin.
  5. In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk batter in three additions until just combined. The batter will be very thin and foamy.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cups, dividing it evenly.
  8. Place the baking pan in the oven. Carefully pour boiling water into the larger pan to come about halfway up the sides of the cups.
  9. Bake for about 30 minutes. The cakes are done when the tops are lightly golden and feel set to the touch.
  10. Carefully remove the cups from the water bath and let them cool before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Note

This recipe makes about 8 individual custard cups. The magic of this dessert is that the batter separates during baking, creating a custard layer on the bottom and a sponge cake layer on top.