Description
Warm Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert featuring two distinct layers created during baking: a light and fluffy lemon cake on top and a luscious, silky lemon pudding sauce underneath. Its bright citrus flavor combined with a cozy texture makes it perfect to serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds air and richness to the cake.
- Add Egg Yolks and Liquids: Beat in the egg yolks to the creamed mixture, then mix in milk, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a flavorful liquid batter base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed before adding to the wet ingredients.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet lemon mixture until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Whip Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, which will help give the cake its airy texture.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, carefully combining to preserve the air without deflating the mixture.
- Pour Batter: Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking dish evenly.
- Add Hot Water: Carefully pour the hot water evenly over the batter without stirring, which allows the pudding layer to form beneath the cake during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cake on top is lightly golden and set, signaling the pudding layer is cooked underneath.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cake warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the comforting lemon flavors.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding the hot water; this step is crucial for creating the distinct pudding layer beneath the cake.
- For the best texture and contrast between the cake and pudding layers, serve the dessert immediately while warm.
- Leftover cake can be gently reheated, but note that the pudding layer may thicken upon cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American