Lemon Custard Pudding Cake

Lemon custard pudding cake is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of custard with the lightness of cake. This dessert features a layer of rich lemon custard on the bottom and a light and fluffy cake layer on top. As it bakes, the cake layer rises to the top while the custard layer forms beneath, creating a deliciously unique treat. Dust it with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch that adds a hint of sweetness and elegance. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add Egg Yolks and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add them to the sugar mixture along with the milk, grated lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of white sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites.
- Incorporate Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the lightness of the egg whites.
- Pour Batter into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in Water Bath: Place the baking dish in a larger shallow pan filled with hot water. This water bath helps ensure even cooking and prevents the custard from curdling.
- Bake Until Set: Transfer the pans to the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the lemon custard pudding cake warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Tips
- Make sure to properly grease the baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, especially when folding in the beaten egg whites, as this can deflate them and affect the texture of the cake.
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter along with the lemon zest and juice.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available. However, fresh lemon juice typically provides a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this lemon custard pudding cake ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of the cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
4. Can I substitute whole milk for the milk in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute whole milk for the milk in this recipe. However, using whole milk will result in a richer and creamier custard layer.
5. Can I omit the lemon zest and lemon juice? The lemon zest and lemon juice add a bright and tangy flavor to the cake. However, if you prefer a plain custard pudding cake without lemon flavor, you can omit them from the recipe.

Lemon Custard Pudding Cake
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Oven
Ingredients
- - 6 tbsp butter melted
- - 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- - 2 cups white sugar
- - 4 eggs separated
- - 1 ½ cups milk
- - 1 ½ tbsp grated lemon zest
- - 2 tbsp lemon juice
- - ¼ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Separate the eggs.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, melted butter, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar.
- Beat egg yolks, then add them to the sugar mixture along with milk and lemon zest. Stir well and add lemon juice.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar. Fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Place the dish in a shallow pan of hot water. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Serve warm or chilled, dusted with confectioners' sugar on top.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to taste preference.
- Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for added decadence.