Baked Lemon Pudding is a delightful dessert that brings a refreshing zing to any occasion. This light and zesty treat is perfect for serving after dinner or as a special brunch dish. With its bright lemon flavor and airy texture, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of common ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a vibrant taste that elevates this pudding above traditional desserts.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm straight from the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a formal gathering, Baked Lemon Pudding fits effortlessly into any menu.
- Light Dessert Option: At only 182 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need for making Baked Lemon Pudding.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
- Whisk: Perfect for achieving a smooth mixture, especially when incorporating air into egg whites.
- Baking dish: A good quality dish ensures even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Baked Lemon Pudding, you will need the following simple ingredients:
For the Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs, separated
For the Meringue
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
How to Make Baked Lemon Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your pudding.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Gradually add in the milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry mixture. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 4: Mix Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are thick and creamy. Slowly incorporate them into the lemon mixture, mixing well to combine.
Step 5: Whip Egg Whites
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites along with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This will give your pudding its airy texture.
Step 6: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lemon mixture until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 7: Bake Your Pudding
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set in the center.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Baked Lemon Pudding!
How to Serve Baked Lemon Pudding
Baked Lemon Pudding is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or adorned with toppings, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Classic Serving
- Serve it warm straight from the oven for a comforting treat.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a handful of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey can add natural sweetness and complement the lemon flavor perfectly.
Garnished with Mint
- Fresh mint leaves not only look beautiful but also add an aromatic touch to your dessert.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar on top provides an elegant finish.
How to Perfect Baked Lemon Pudding
Perfecting your Baked Lemon Pudding involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
Use fresh lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest provide vibrant flavor, making your pudding more delicious.
Room temperature ingredients – Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t overbeat egg whites – Beat until stiff peaks form, but avoid overmixing to maintain lightness in the pudding.
Grease your baking dish well – Proper greasing helps prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.
Watch baking time closely – Keep an eye on the pudding as it bakes; it should be golden brown and set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Lemon Pudding
Baked Lemon Pudding pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some excellent choices:
Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pudding.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a sweet balance against the tart lemon taste.
Shortbread Cookies – Buttery shortbread cookies add crunch and pair wonderfully with the soft texture of the pudding.
Coconut Macaroons – Chewy coconut macaroons bring extra sweetness that complements the lemon perfectly.
Herbed Crostini – Lightly toasted crostini topped with herbs can provide a savory contrast to your dessert.
Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola adds creaminess and crunch, making for a satisfying pairing.
Chilled Fruit Sorbet – A scoop of sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser after each bite of pudding.
Lemon Meringue Pie Slices – For lemon lovers, pairing with slices of lemon meringue pie enhances the citrus theme deliciously.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Lemon Pudding, small errors can lead to big disappointments. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not measuring accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients is crucial for the right texture and flavor. Use proper measuring cups and spoons.
- Using old eggs: Fresh eggs make a significant difference in the fluffiness of the pudding. Always check the expiration date for optimal results.
- Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring they beat up to stiff peaks. Don’t skip it if you want a light pudding.
- Overmixing: Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture. Overmixing can deflate the air bubbles, resulting in a dense dessert.
- Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your pudding during baking to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Baked Lemon Pudding can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Lemon Pudding
- It’s best to freeze before baking for optimal texture.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Lemon Pudding
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover pudding with foil and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Lemon Pudding that can help enhance your baking experience.
What makes Baked Lemon Pudding fluffy?
The combination of whipped egg whites and careful folding techniques creates a light, airy texture in your pudding.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for its bright flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but may alter the taste slightly.
How do I know when my Baked Lemon Pudding is done?
Look for a golden top that is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or mix in berries for a fruity twist. Just adjust sugar levels accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Baked Lemon Pudding is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its light and refreshing flavor can be enjoyed as a dessert or even at brunch. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it uniquely yours!
Baked Lemon Pudding
Baked Lemon Pudding is a delightful, light dessert that offers a refreshing burst of citrus flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. This easy-to-make pudding combines the tanginess of fresh lemons with a fluffy texture that will impress your guests and family alike. With simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, and milk, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy it warm from the oven or chilled for a cool treat on hot days. Whether served as a sweet ending to dinner or as part of a brunch spread, Baked Lemon Pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add milk, lemon juice, and zest; whisk until smooth.
- Beat egg yolks separately until thick and creamy; mix into the lemon mixture.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped egg whites into the lemon mixture until combined.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg