Lemon Pudding Cake

There are some people who think desserts should be all chocolate all the time. That’s not us. We love chocolate as much as the next person (because… chocolate), but we’re perfectly content with a fresh, lemony treat. That lemon flavor feels a bit lighter and maybe not so indulgent, but that sweet and tart brightness just doesn’t compare to anything else. You might say we’re a little bit in love with lemon. And we don’t care who knows it.

This cake is all about that quintessential lemon flavor. It’s sweet and tart, but never cloying, and it’s rich and soooo creamy, but it won’t weigh you down. It’s part cake, part pudding, and it’s made us feel like all of our dessert dreams have come true.

You see, the top is a light and fluffy cake texture with lemon flavor running throughout, while the bottom is this dreamy, citrusy pudding. The two textures play off each other so well that you really don’t need anything to accompany this. No frosting, no ice cream… just a little dusting of powdered sugar to dress it up.

It’s a simple cake to mix up. You whisk together the dry ingredients, and then the wet (save for the egg whites). The egg whites get whipped up and folded into the batter, which is what gives this dessert its lovely soufflé-like texture. It’s not a cake you’re going to slice and serve; it’s a custardy endeavor you’ll need to spoon out into servings. It’s rustic and homey, and it’s one quick cake you absolutely have to try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that feels indulgent yet light. The contrasting textures of fluffy cake and creamy pudding are perfectly balanced, making it a unique and satisfying dessert experience. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch cake pan or pie plate
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest from one lemon, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch cake pan or pie plate with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and melted butter. Add the milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and half of the lemon zest and whisk until combined. Add flour mixture and stir until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites gently into lemon mixture until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake until set, about 30-35 minutes.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and remaining lemon zest and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for the best texture.
• Fold the egg whites gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a subtle crunch. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, with a refreshing dose of vitamin C from the lemons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Serve it slightly warmed or at room temperature.

Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

This Lemon Pudding Cake is a must-try for lemon lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Its simplicity and delightful taste make it a perfect ending to any meal. We hope you enjoy making and tasting this delicious treat. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!