Indulge in a heavenly dessert experience with our Lemon Pudding Cake recipe! This delightful treat offers a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and velvety pudding texture, creating a dessert sensation that will leave you craving for more. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delectable cake in no time. So, let’s dive into the zesty world of Lemon Pudding Cake and discover the magic of its irresistible taste!
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, melted butter, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and half of the lemon zest.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Create Water Bath: Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan or baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the baking dish with the batter.
- Bake: Bake the pudding cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest to the batter or sprinkle it over the cake just before serving.
- Texture: The cake will have a layer of pudding at the bottom and a light, airy cake layer on top. Be sure not to overmix the batter to maintain this distinctive texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Lemon Pudding Cake warm or at room temperature, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Lemon Pudding Cake:
- Sweetener: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb option.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? A: While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if fresh lemons are not available. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the Lemon Pudding Cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven before serving, if desired.
Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon? A: Absolutely! You can experiment with other citrus fruits such as lime, orange, or grapefruit to create different variations of this pudding cake.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Lemon Pudding Cake for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I omit the lemon zest? A: While lemon zest adds extra flavor and aroma to the cake, you can omit it if desired. However, it may affect the overall taste slightly.
In conclusion, Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and creamy pudding texture. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat on a cozy evening or served as a stunning finale to a special meal, this cake is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and simple elegance. With its easy preparation and versatile appeal, it’s a recipe worth adding to your culinary repertoire. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a journey of lemony bliss with this delectable Lemon Pudding Cake today!
