Skip to main content

Magical Lemon Pudding Cakes

Image
Donna Urso
As winter comes to a close, and you are longing for warmer days, brighten your day with this recipe for Lemon Pudding Cakes, a sunny lemony dessert.

Bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion with these delightful Lemon Pudding Cakes. They're perfect for individual servings in ramekins, making them an elegant dessert or a fun treat. Craving something more casual? Simply bake the batter in a single pan for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Individual Lemon Pudding Cakes

This post contains affiliate links. When you use these links to shop I receive a small compensation. 
A lemon pudding cake on a glass plate with a fork.

Truth be told, lemon has always been a favorite flavor and these Lemon Pudding Cakes have become a favorite way for me to indulge my love of all things lemon. I think you'll like them, too. 
The bright, fresh lemon flavor in these moist, delicious cakes will delight your family and friends. Imagine these tasty cups of lemony goodness as part of your Easter celebration, or for a more casual dessert, make this magical cake in an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan.

Reasons to Love These Lemon Pudding Cakes

Two Ways to Enjoy: Make individual cakes in ramekins for a special touch, or bake the entire recipe in a single pan for an easier, more relaxed dessert.  I'm a huge fan of little individual cakes, whether cupcakes or chocolate lava cakes. It's fun to make a special cake for each person and I'm always a fan of the forced portion control that results as well.  

Bright Lemon Flavor: The star of the show is the fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a light and tangy flavor that's perfect for spring or summer. There is something special about the bright citrus flavor of a lemon dessert. I love to dig into these cakes while still warm and the consistency is light and delicate.  The flavor is sweet and lemony, just what you want from a spring dessert.

A comparison of a stainless steel citrus juicer to an aluminum citrus juicer.

This citrus juicer will make quick work of juicing your lemons.

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it a great option for a last-minute dessert. Flour, salt, egg, lemon, milk, and sugar. Don't you love it when you don't need to run to the grocery store to make something yummy?

Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep work, these cakes are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Lemon Pudding Cakes

You Will Need

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
  • 1⅓ cups milk

Directions and Tips

For a water bath: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place eight 4-ounce ramekins in a 13x9-inch baking dish filled with 4 cups of hot water. The water level should reach halfway up the outside of the ramekins.
Ramekins for Baking Lemon Pudding Cakes
Ramekins Set in a Water Bath
Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and ½ cup of the sugar together for 3 minutes until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
Beating the Eggs
Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar until Light in Color
Soft peaks: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with ¼ cup of sugar until soft peaks form.
Gently fold: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to overmix.
Soft Peaks of Egg Whites
Soft Peaks
Even distribution: Use a cookie scoop to distribute the batter evenly among the eight ramekins.
Distribute Batter with an Ice Cream Scoop
Use a Scoop to Distribute the Batter
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and puffed. You'll know the pudding cakes are completely cooked when they are browned, puffed up high above the rim of the ramekins and some may be cracked.  Using different types of ramekins may result in your cakes cooking differently.
Puffed Cakes
Can You See the Different Results with Different Ramekins?
Cool: Let the pudding cakes cool. You'll be impatient to taste them because they look delicious and smell even better, but you'll want to cool them in the water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm or completely cooled.

After you let the lemon pudding cakes cool to room temperature you'll be able to turn them out onto a plate after running a knife around the edge of the cake and carefully coaxing it free.

This results in a prettier presentation with the pudding covering the top of the cake.  You can either serve them straight from the ramekin or turned out onto a pretty plate.
Cooled Lemon Pudding Cakes
The Cooled Lemon Pudding Cakes

Single-Pan Option:

Choose a pan that will fit inside another pan for a water bath. 

Follow the directions for preparing the batter. 

Grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan and bake the batter for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
A piece of lemon pudding cake on a white plate with a fork and two slices of fresh lemon.

For all of us lemon lovers, this recipe deserves five out of five stars.  It's a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size ramekin?

You can use different-sized ramekins, but the baking time may vary. Keep an eye on the cakes and adjust the baking time as needed. Also note, I have found differences between different brands of ramekins that have been made of stoneware versus ceramic.

How can I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake covered, or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the cake?

This is not a cake I would bake ahead of time but you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

These Lemon Pudding Cakes are a delightful way to enjoy the sunshine, no matter the season. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they're a perfect recipe for home bakers. 

Lemon Pudding Cakes Recipe

pudding cakes, lemon cakes, individual dessert cakes
dessert
American
Yield: 8 servings
Author: Donna Urso
Lemon Pudding Cakes

Lemon Pudding Cakes

Sweet and tangy individual desserts for lemon lovers made with simple ingredients.
Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 40 MinInactive time: 20 MinTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place eight half-cup ramekins in a 13x9-inch baking dish filled with four cups of water. The water level will be halfway up the outside of the ramekins. Alternately grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan for the water bath.
  2. Next, beat together the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, beating for 3 minutes with your electric mixer until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
  3. While the eggs are beating, mix together the 1/2 cup of flour and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt and set that mixture aside.
  4. Zest one lemon and squeeze 1/3 cup of lemon juice from two lemons.
  5. Stir the flour mixture into the eggs and sugar, making a very thick batter. Beat the batter on medium speed for two minutes. The batter will be very thick and lumpy.
  6. Add the lemon zest, milk, and lemon juice, stirring gently. Using a silicone spatula to do the stirring will help you loosen the thick, lumpy batter from the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl.
  7. Next, in a separate glass bowl, beat the egg whites until thick and foamy and add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Continue beating until the whites form soft peaks.
  8. Next, fold the whites into the egg and lemon batter. Using a silicone spatula, fold about 1/4 of the egg whites into the batter to distribute the batter and lighten it a bit. Then fold in the rest of the egg whites, gently, but completely.
  9. Use a scoop to distribute the batter into the eight ramekins evenly. Alternately, spread the batter into the greased 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan. Set into the water bath. Then place your pan on the center rack of the oven to bake for approximately 40-45 minutes.
  10. You'll know the pudding cakes are completely cooked when they are browned, puffed up high above the rim of the ramekins and some may be cracked. Using different types of ramekins may result in your cakes cooking differently.
  11. You'll be impatient to taste them because they look delicious and smell even better, but you'll want to cool them in the water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. You'll see that they will settle as they cool.
  12. Serve warm from the ramekins or cool completely to invert onto a plate.

Notes

After you let the lemon pudding cakes cool to room temperature you'll be able to turn them out onto a plate after running a knife around the edge of the cake and carefully coaxing it free.

This results in a prettier presentation with the pudding covering the top of the cake. You can either serve them straight from the ramekin or turned out onto a pretty plate.


You can also make this recipe in a 9x9-inch square ceramic baking dish. Bake as directed.

Recommended Products

Ceramic Ramekins
Baking Scoops
Silicone Spatulas

Nutrition Facts

Calories

174.61

Fat (grams)

2.69 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.11 g

Carbs (grams)

33.77 g

Fiber (grams)

0.27 g

Net carbs

33.51 g

Sugar (grams)

27.36 g

Protein (grams)

4.54 g

Sodium (milligrams)

118.88 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

73.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Lemon Yogurt Cake

Lemon Lime Cupcakes

Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

https://www.justonedonna.com/2020/01/lemon-pudding-cakes.html
©Just One Donna
Before you go...Please share this recipe on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Yum!

 Enjoy!



Comments

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

Donna Urso
In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect. All you really need for a great bacon and eggs breakfast is a good nonstick skillet and a good toaster . If you want to make your own bre...
2 comments
Read more

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Donna Urso
Are you searching for the ultimate, classic New England whoopie pie recipe? Look no further! Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, a nostalgic dessert that evokes childhood memories and continues to delight today. My mom would make them for us every once in a while. Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies! This recipe, inspired by traditional Maine-style whoopie pies, comes from my family recipe box. It delivers soft, chocolatey cakes with a rich, creamy cooked filling – no marshmallow fluff needed! The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe without Marshmallow Fluff This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling.  While their origin is debated, New Englanders proudly claim them as their own. This recipe focuses on the traditional Maine-style filling, a cooked flour and milk mixture that creates a uniquely satisfying t...
8 comments
Read more

How to Trap and Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Donna Urso
Fruit flies can be a huge annoyance at certain times of the year. What can you do to kill fruit flies? We've all been there wondering how to get rid of fruit flies.  Fruit flies in the kitchen.  Fruit flies in the bathroom.  Fruit flies buzzing around everywhere in your home.   It's a frustrating problem that happens to everyone at one time or another.  If you are a fresh fruit and produce lover you certainly know what I mean. How to Kill Fruit Flies with Two Ingredients Those pesky little buggers can often be brought into your home on the vegetables and fruit you buy. You don't have to tolerate the annoyance.  This homemade fruit fly trap is one I have been using for many years and it works every time. 
1 comment
Read more

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

Donna Urso
If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!
2 comments
Read more

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Donna Urso
Are you looking for an easy dinner roll recipe? The easiest way to make fresh dinner rolls is with your bread machine. Relax while you use the dough setting of your bread machine to get the time-intensive steps out of the way. You'll be delighted with the results of this easy bread machine dinner roll recipe. The best bread machine dinner rolls are the ones you make yourself. How to Make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls This post contains Amazon affiliate links. When you use your bread machine to make dinner rolls most of the work is done by the machine.  You'll be delighted with how easy it is to make fresh rolls. While most of the work is being done by the bread machine you can be doing something else.
4 comments
Read more

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

Donna Urso
One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can sure bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookies Recipe This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932 so this recipe has been around for quite a while. 
16 comments
Read more

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Donna Urso
Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades This post includes affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you use these links. When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.
22 comments
Read more

How to Doctor Up Store-Bought Potato Salad

Donna Urso
Here's a potato salad time-saver for you just in time for summer cookouts. You'll love how you can transform grocery store potato salad so easily no matter whether you are hosting a BBQ or bringing a side dish for a summer barbecue. There's no judgment here. We don't always have the time to make a potato salad from scratch. Sometimes it is just easier to stop by your local grocery store to pick up a container of store-made potato salad. It's good. It's predictable.  It will do.  All it needs is a little doctoring. How to Make Store-Bought Potato Salad Better When you need a quick potato salad, and have no time to make one from scratch, that ordinary store-bought potato salad you have in your refrigerator can go from blah to amazing in just a few minutes with just a few ingredients. Yes, you can improve store-bought potato salad. How to Doctor Up Potato Salad to have a little more flavor? You're going to a potluck picnic or you are having...
3 comments
Read more

Rum Punch for a Party

Donna Urso
As the weather warms and you start to think about gathering friends and family for parties and celebrations you'll want to think about signature cocktails. This rum punch cocktail is an ideal cocktail for a large gathering because the flavors are irresistible. Don't you think a warm-weather cocktail should make imagine yourself sitting by the shore on a tropical beach with your toes in the sand? Fruity rum drinks are perfect and rum punch is one of those perfect cocktails.  Cool and fruity, rum punch will make a party! One sip and you'll be transported to the beach. Rum Punch Cocktail (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) Rum Punch for a Party! Can you make a rum punch ahead of time?  This rum punch recipe is a make-ahead recipe I use whenever we are having a large group for a summer picnic or barbecue.  Use the recipe below as your baseline and dou...
4 comments
Read more

Cinnamon Raisin Bread: A Bread Machine Recipe

Donna Urso
Are you craving a warm, cozy treat perfect for fall mornings? Look no further than this delicious cinnamon raisin yeast bread. Baked in a bread machine, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and offers a classically delightful blend of flavors that's sure to satisfy.  Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread This post contains affiliate links. Whether you're serving it as a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning or enjoying it as a sweet afternoon snack, this cinnamon raisin yeast bread is a versatile and delicious addition to your fall recipe rotation. Its soft, fluffy texture and warm, inviting aroma make it a favorite among both young and old. 
Post a Comment
Read more