Welcome to a delightful treat that captures the essence of home baking—Grandma’s Lemon Custard Baskets! This recipe is not only quick and easy, taking just about five minutes of prep time, but it also brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and warm kitchen aromas. These baskets are light, fluffy, and filled with a rich lemon custard, making them an irresistible dessert that disappears in an instant. Perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet craving, these baskets are sure to impress with their fresh flavors and delightful presentation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious dessert!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup (80g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) sunflower seed oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1½ cups (180g) flour
• 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
• 3 tbsp (40ml) milk

For the Custard Filling:

• 1 egg yolk
• 4 tbsp (50g) sugar
• 1 tsp (8g) vanilla sugar or vanillin
• 2 tbsp (30g) corn starch
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• Juice of ½ lemon

For Garnishing:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ½ cup sugar, and ⅓ cup sunflower seed oil until well combined.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in the zest of 1 lemon for a refreshing citrus flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour and 1 tsp baking powder.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 3 tbsp milk. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. Whisk Egg Yolk: In a saucepan, whisk together 1 egg yolk, 4 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla sugar, and 2 tbsp corn starch until creamy.
2. Add Milk: Slowly pour in 1 cup milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the juice of ½ lemon. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Baskets

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Baskets: Pour the cake batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Use your fingers or a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cup.
3. Add Custard: Spoon the cooled lemon custard filling into the indentations of the batter.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Garnish

1. Cool: Allow the baskets to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Dust with Sugar: Once cooled, dust the tops of the baskets with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Cooking Tips:

• Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, consider using both the zest and the juice of the lemon.
• Storage: These baskets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the baked baskets without the custard filling. Just thaw and add the filling before serving.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover baskets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cake baskets (without the custard) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before filling with custard.

Nutritional Facts (Per Basket, approx. 12 servings):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different fruit instead of lemon?
Absolutely! You can substitute lemon with orange or lime juice and zest for a different flavor.

2. Is there a way to make these baskets gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

3. How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
The custard should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when you run your finger through it.

4. Can I make the custard in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the custard a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just stir it well before using.

5. What can I serve with these baskets?
These baskets are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!