Lemon Pudding Cake
Lemon Pudding Cake offers a delightful balance of tart lemon flavor and moist, tender cake texture. Its light, citrusy profile makes it an ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy bright, refreshing sweets with a comforting pudding-like finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an ungreased 1-quart baking dish and a larger shallow pan filled with 1 to 2 inches of hot water for a water bath.
- In a medium bowl, whisk or stir together the sifted cake flour, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the lemon juice and grated lemon peel.
- Gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until smooth.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, maintaining as much air as possible.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Place the baking dish into the larger shallow pan with hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, be sure to fold the egg whites gently into the batter to maintain airiness. If you don't have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Also, ensure that your lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor. This pudding cake pairs beautifully with Lemon Pound Cake for a citrus-themed dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon pudding cake warm or chilled, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It can be accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, make a refreshing side that complements the citrus notes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the lemon pudding cake to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through, being careful not to overheat as it can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pudding Cake contains roughly 236 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon pudding cake a day in advance. Just bake it, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but be sure to reheat it gently before serving to enjoy the best texture.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or a mix of vinegar and water as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly. For a milder version, consider using orange juice, but it will change the cake's overall taste.
Why did my pudding cake not rise?
If your lemon pudding cake did not rise, it could be due to overmixing the batter after adding the egg whites, which deflates the air bubbles. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you followed the measurements accurately, as precise ingredient ratios are crucial for the cake to rise properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).