A cross between pudding and cake, this light and creamy Baked Lemon Pudding Cake is the ultimate lemon pudding recipe. Made with simple ingredients and kissed with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh lemons, warm lemon pudding makes the perfect ending to any meal!
When it comes to dessert I will tell you that I am team chocolate all the way. Specifically, chocolate peanut butter. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups or Peanut Butter Buckeyes are my kryptonite!
My son on the other hand, is team lemon. From Lemon Bread to Lemon Cheesecake Bars to Lemon Pudding, he loves any and every lemon dessert out there. And honesty, every time I make a lemon dessert for him, specifically, this Lemon Pudding Cake, I find myself enjoying it almost more than my beloved chocolate desserts!
Reasons to Love Baked Lemon Pudding
- Wow Factor. This is not just any lemon pudding! This pudding separates into two layers as it bakes to create a self-saucing lemon cake with a light and caramelized cake layer with a rich, thick lemon sauce.
- Balanced Flavors. Perfectly sweet and tart, this lemon dessert leaves you feeling satisfied and refreshed. It is not too heavy, not too light. It is just perfect!
- Super Easy Dessert Recipe. This recipe for lemon pudding comes together with less than 15 minutes of hands-on prep work.
- Humble Ingredients. Grab some fresh lemons along with simple baking staples that you likely have on hand, and you are ready to whip up this Baked Lemon Pudding.
Notes on Ingredients
- Butter: As I typically suggest when making desserts, unsalted butter is best for this recipe.
- Lemon: You will use both the zest and juice of several lemons. Look for vibrant yellow lemons, as they will yield the most juice and flavorful zest.
- Sugar: Use granulated sugar for the lemon pudding cake and if desired, powdered sugar for serving.
- Eggs: You will need to separate the eggs for this recipe. The yolks will add richness to the pudding, while whipping the whites will give the pudding a cloud-like consistency.
- Flour: A small amount of flour will help to create the cake layer in this pudding.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the richest creamiest results.
How To Make Baked Lemon Pudding
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One: Combine Sugar and Lemon Zest with Butter. To really enhance the lemon flavor in this pudding, I strongly recommend using your fingers to combine the lemon zest, granulated sugar, and butter together. The heat from your fingers and the friction of the granulated sugar will help the essential oils from the lemon zest to be fully released, ensuring the most lemon-forward lemon pudding.
Step Two: Whip Egg Whites. To give this baked pudding cake a cloud-like texture, whip the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until soft, stiff peaks form.
Step Three: Combine Pudding Ingredients. To the lemon and sugar mixture, whisk in the eggs, flour, milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Using a spatula and a gentle hand, fold in the egg whites using a spatula until just combined.
Step Four: Bake Lemon Pudding. Bake the pudding in a buttered baking dish until the top is golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. I highly recommend serving this baked lemon pudding with homemade whipped cream.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Let the pudding cool to room temperature. Cover tightly the baking dish or transfer the pudding to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: You can opt to serve baked pudding cold or reheat individual servings at 50% power for 60-seconds to warm before serving.
More Favorite Dessert Recipes
If you tried this recipe for Baked Lemon Pudding, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Baked Lemon Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened plus more for greasing baking dish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 3 large eggs separated
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- powdered sugar and whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 5-cup baking dish generously with butter.
- Place the sugar in a large mixing bowl. Finely grate the zest of the lemon directly over the sugar. Using your fingers, gently rub the zest into the sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of softened butter to the sugar mixture and using your fingers or a spatula mash the butter into the sugar until the butter is evenly distributed through the sugar and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Add ½ cup of milk and egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until combined. Whisk in the flour, followed by the remaining ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until the pudding has set and the top is golden. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with whipped cream if desired.
Deb
I loved every bite of this pudding! The flavor and texture of this is excellent!
Kristen Chidsey
Love hearing this, Deb! Thank you for sharing.
Melinda
My mother-in-law made this delicious baked lemon pudding and I insisted she share the recipe. I had to have more so I made it today and it's such a delicious dessert that I will make often.
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing this has quickly become a family favorite. I hope you all enjoy it many more times.
Teresa
I am so beyond happy to have found this recipe as my great aunt, who was like my grandmother, made this decades ago and I loved it then as I do now. Easy and so delish!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so thrilled your found this recipe as well, Teresa! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Allyson Zea
This was absolutely delicious and easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
You bet! So happy to hear you enjoyed!
Sally
Every bite was so fluffy and delicious. It's the best springtime dessert.
Willie
I'm so glad I tried this recipe! It is INCREDIBLE!! My family gives this all the thumbs up!
jesse
I have never tried anything like this and I cannot thank you enough for introducing this to me! delicious
Kristen Chidsey
Happy you discovered (and enjoyed) this baked pudding! I appreciate you leaving a comment as well.
Vicky
I made it, and it's delightful! The lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweetness. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream—absolutely delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing, Vicky!!! I love hearing you enjoyed the pudding.