With fluffy lemon cake on top and rich lemon pudding on the bottom, these unique lemon pudding cakes are a texture dream. It’s all made from 1 easy cake batter and 8 simple ingredients. Baked in individual ramekins, these little cakes are surprisingly easy to prepare, but seem wonderfully special.
With sunshine, warmer days, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and summertime on the horizon, these fresh and delicious lemon cakes are a dessert favorite.
Tell Me About These Lemon Pudding Cakes
- Part lemon cake, part lemon pudding (made from just 1 cake batter)
- Fluffy, creamy, and rich all in one
- Sweet, tangy, and refreshing
- Simple, yet totally fancy
- 8 easy ingredients like butter, eggs, and lemons
The Best Part of All: Bake these lemon cakes in individual ramekins. Similar to chocolate lava cakes in both presentation and texture, the lemon pudding cakes are perfectly packaged in their own pre-portioned cup. It’s how we serve upside down key lime pies, too. I love that! This is such a fun and unique recipe that has always been a baking bucket list recipe for me.
One reader, Margot, commented: “Outstanding. Fluffy and light and lemony. The pudding bottom was perfect. Straightforward to make and so worth it. Another family favorite! ★★★★★“
One reader, Sandy, commented: “This lemon pudding cake was so moist, light, and delicious! It was an A++ dessert per our family. ★★★★★“
Here’s Why You Need These Ingredients
Let me walk you through each ingredient so you understand its importance. Substitutions are not ideal and the full written recipe is below.
- Eggs: Since we’re essentially making pudding AND cake in one, we need eggs. (Eggs are a main ingredient in both classic desserts, providing most of the structure and texture.) Separate your eggs before beginning. We’ll use both the yolks and whites in this recipe, which is wonderfully convenient. Use the egg yolks in the base of the cake batter and whip the egg whites separately. Whipped egg whites help the cakes rise. As you know from making Swiss Meringue Buttercream, even a drip of egg yolk will prevent your whites from whipping. For this reason, I strongly recommend a handy egg separator (affiliate link—I love it!).
- Milk: Milk is the liquid in this cake batter. I recommend whole milk for the richest taste and texture, but lower fat or nondairy milk can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: 2 Tablespoons of melted butter add flavor.
- Lemons: Use fresh lemons for optimal flavor. You need lemon zest and juice.
- Vanilla Extract: More flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: If you’re low on flour right now, great news—this recipe only needs 1/3 cup of it. Do not use cake flour or bread flour. I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten free alternatives, but let me know if you do.
- Salt: Provides flavor balance.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens, but also helps whip the egg whites into stiff peaks.
Overview: How to Make Lemon Pudding Cakes
- Prepare ramekins. As you can see, you bake these lemon pudding cakes in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls. 6 ounce size is best. Grease them with nonstick spray or butter, then place them in a large casserole dish. Like crème brûlée, these little desserts must bake in a water bath. The water bath creates a moist and humid environment, which is imperative for their texture. Dry heat will leave you with rubbery tasting cakes.
- Whisk most of the ingredients together. Combine the egg yolks, milk, butter, lemon zest & juice, and vanilla extract. Then whisk in the flour, salt, and most of the sugar.
- Beat the egg whites. Beat the egg whites until they reach soft foamy peaks. Sprinkle in the remaining sugar, then beat until stiff peaks form. This airy, voluminous mixture is the secret to the fluffy lemon cake on top. There’s no baking powder or soda in this recipe.
- Carefully fold everything together.
- Divide between ramekins. In all of my recipe testing, I got either 6 or 7 cakes from this amount of batter. (Depended on how much the egg whites deflated.)
- Add water for water bath. Without splashing into the ramekins, slowly pour hot water into the casserole dish around the ramekins.
- Bake. Bake until the lemon cakes are puffy and lightly browned on top. The bake time is KEY, so don’t walk away during those last few minutes. Overbaking will cook the pudding on the bottom of the cakes, so I usually remove them at 35 minutes.
- Slightly cool the cakes outside of the water bath.
- Garnish & dig in! A dusting of confectioners’ sugar hits the spot.
Step-by-Step Photos
I usually prepare the egg yolk mixture first, but for picture organization, I’m showing you the egg whites first. Below on the left are the foamy egg whites. Below on the right are the stiff peaks, after we add the sugar.
Here we have the egg yolk mixture. Carefully begin adding the fluffy egg whites.
After gently folding in the egg whites, the cake batter has nearly tripled in volume. It should be foamy, creamy, and smooth:
Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake in a water bath. The lemon pudding cakes will puff up in the oven, but slightly deflate as they cool.
3 Success Tips
- Individual Ramekins: I strongly recommend using 6 ounce ramekins. I used these (affiliate link) oven-safe pyrex bowls. If using larger ramekins, the bake time will be longer. If using smaller ramekins, the bake time will be shorter. I’m unsure how this recipe will turn out as one large cake, but the batter should fit into a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a large baking/casserole dish or roasting pan, spoon the batter into each, then fill the pan with hot water. As I mention above, the water bath creates a moist and humid environment, which is imperative for their texture. Same story for cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, upside down key lime pies, artisan bread, and crème brûlée.
- Bake Time: Start checking right after 30 minutes. The edges should be set, the tops should be puffy and lightly browned, and the bottoms should be pudding.
It seems like a lot, but I’m extremely thorough in my directions. Once you get going, you’ll see how simple these are to throw together!
Print
Lemon Pudding Cakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 or 7 cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
With fluffy lemon cake on top and rich lemon pudding on the bottom, these unique lemon pudding cakes are a texture dream. For best success, read through the recipe and recipe notes before beginning.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice, at room temperature (about 3 large lemons)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
- optional: 1 Tablespoon confectioners’ sugar for dusting and/or fresh berries and lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease 6-7 six-ounce ramekins with butter or nonstick spray. Place into a large baking pan or casserole dish. The cakes will bake in a water bath inside the casserole dish.
- Whisk egg yolks, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Whisk in the flour, salt, and 3/4 cup (150g) of sugar until combined. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high high speed into soft foamy peaks, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar on top, then beat into stiff glossy peaks, about 1-2 minutes. (Stiff peaks hold their shape when you lift the beaters/whisk.)
- Spoon about 1/3 of the egg whites into the lemon batter. Working slowly and carefully so as not to deflate the egg whites, gently fold together until combined. Gently fold in another 1/3 of the egg whites until combined, then fold in the remaining egg whites. Batter will be thick and airy.
- Divide between greased ramekins, filling nearly to the top. In all my recipe testing, I got either 6 or 7 cakes from this amount of batter. (Depended on how much the egg whites deflated.)
- Add water for water bath: Without splashing into the ramekins, slowly pour hot water into the casserole dish around the ramekins, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. If it’s easier, you can transfer the casserole dish to the oven first, then carefully pour in the hot water.
- Carefully place the casserole dish/baking pan in the oven. Bake until the lemon cakes are puffy and lightly browned on top, about 35-40 minutes. Overbaking will cook the pudding on the bottom of the cakes, so I usually remove them at 35 minutes.
- Using tongs or an oven mitt, remove the cakes from the casserole dish and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or kitchen towel to catch any dripping water. Cool cakes for 15-20 minutes before serving. You can serve warm or wait until they cool to room temperature.
- Garnish with confectioners’ sugar and/or fresh berries or lemon slices, if desired.
- Cover leftover cakes tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm in the microwave, if desired, before enjoying.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these lemon cakes because they will deflate and won’t reheat properly. For making ahead, you can prepare the cakes 1 day in advance. Bake and cool as directed. Once room temperature, cover cakes tightly and refrigerate until the next day. Warm cakes on a baking sheet or in a baking dish (no water bath necessary) in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. I don’t recommend preparing the batter ahead of time—it will deflate.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 6-ounce Oven-Safe Ramekins | Large Baking Pan | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Cooling Rack
- Ramekins: I strongly recommend using 6 ounce ramekins. I used these (affiliate link) oven-safe pyrex bowls. If using larger ramekins, the bake time will be longer. If using smaller ramekins, the bake time will be shorter. I’m unsure how this recipe will turn out as one large cake, but the batter should fit into a 9-inch square baking pan. I’m unsure of the best bake time.
- Eggs: Eggs separate easiest when they’re cold. Egg whites will whip into fluffier peaks if they’re room temperature, so I suggest separating the cold eggs, then letting the separated yolks and whites sit for about 20 minutes before starting the recipe.
- Milk: Whole milk is best, but you can use a lower fat or nondairy milk if you’re in a pinch. The cakes won’t taste as rich. I don’t recommend half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Room Temperature: Make sure the cold ingredients (milk, lemon juice, egg yolks) are room temperature. If they’re cold, they will solidify the butter and/or possibly deflate the egg whites.
- Adapted from Food & Wine. Reduced butter, milk, lemon zest & salt. Used more lemon juice and flour. Added vanilla. Method made a bit easier in just 2 bowls.
Reader Comments and Reviews
can you reheat them
Hi Hadley, for reheating, microwaving for a super quick 10 seconds should do the trick or heat the oven to 300°F (149°C), place the ramekins on a baking sheet (no water bath needed), and bake for 10 minutes. We would cover them with a large sheet of aluminum foil.
if you don’t have ramekins what should you use
Hi Hadley! See recipe notes for a couple options. Ramekins are really best for this recipe!
I made these tonight and they were fantastic! I was very careful to not over bake them so I wouldn’t lose the pudding on bottom. Mine were perfect at about 32-33 min.
Sooooo delicious!!! I baked it in a glass pie dish for about 35 minutes and it came out perfect!! Thank you Sally once again for an amazing recipe!
Hi Sally,
Well I’m 84 years old & my Mom made this for us. It’s always been special to me & it’s absolutely delicious. I’m SO happy old recipes don’t disappear. Many thanks to you for all your wonderful recipes. My best, Nancy
Hi Lissette,
I live in South Africa where we only have cake or bread flour, no AP. I made these with cake flour and they were delicious nonetheless. Airy and fluffy but perhaps not as cake-like on top as Sally’s pictures. We enjoyed them thoroughly
Delicious recipe as always, Sally! Just one question – do you know where can I get one of those cute little egg separators?
Hi Gail! We link to the one we use in the post above – see the heading “Best Ingredients for Lemon Pudding Cakes” under the Eggs section. We LOVE that handy little tool!
I have an old newspaper recipe for lemon pudding cake which I have successfully made many times. I bake it in one bowl and use the water bath. I plan to try your recipe using ramekins as I think the presentation would be more attractive. I love lemon desserts.
Super lemony!!! I liked them but family members had a different opinion. Will reduce sugar and lemon next time. Can’t have too much of them since they are too tangy and lemony and sugary!!
I cannot wait to make these! Do you think they would be good served cold?
Hi Jackie, you can serve these cold if you wish — hope they’re a hit!
They were a huge hit. Literally people were raving and they went like hotcakes. Only one little mishap on my part – as I was putting a tray into the lower oven, the ramekins slid to the edge of the roasting pan and water sloshed over into 2 or 3 of them. I just cooked them – they rose up higher. They were watery on the bottom, but still delicious!
I made these for a dinner get together for 6. They were amazing! Tangy delights. I would definitely make again!
Wonderful recipe! I’m wondering if you have ever substituted mandarin orange for the lemon?
Hi Ella, We haven’t tested this recipe with Mandarin oranges, but it should work just fine. You may want to slightly reduce the sugar, let us know if you give it a try!
My new favorite dessert! I don’t have ramekins, so I used am 8×8 Pyrex pan, baked for 40 minutes. It turned out perfect. I think I need to splurge on some ramekins because it looks so cute in the pictures! Thanks for the recipes Sally!
Outstanding. Fluffy and light and lemony. The pudding bottom was perfect. Straightforward to make, and so worth it. Another family favorite!
Hi Sally, I was wondering can this batter be refrigerated and used later on in the day? Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Hi Huda, we don’t recommend preparing the batter ahead of time– it will deflate.
Oh my gosh! I just had a taste from one of the hot ramekins and it is delicious. Lemony pudding at the bottom and a puffy soufflé top. Great recipe.
We’re so happy to hear that you loved these lemon pudding cakes, Janet!
I only have cake flour on hand. will that definitely not work?
Hi Lissette, All purpose flour really is best here. Unfortunately the cakes were much too flimsy when tested with cake flour.
I love this recipe. I was wondering if you could make it with chocolate.
Hi Lyn, we haven’t tested a chocolate version of these, but you might like our chocolate lava cakes for a very similar treat — let us know if you give them a try!
Hello, these cakes look wonderful! I don’t have enough ramekins. Would I be able to use a muffin pan instead?
Thank you!
You can certainly try this recipe in a muffin pan set in a shallow water bath. We’re unsure of the best bake time though. Let us know how they turn out!
Made these last night for Valentine’s Day dinner and they were a hit!
I was looking at your carrot cake recipe and ran across the lemon pudding cake recipe. Always looking for lemon dessert recipes but never seem to be lemony enough for me. Haven’t made this yet but what is your feeling about adding cream of tartar to enhance the lemon flavor? How much could I add? Your recipes sound amazing and love the explanations and comments. Looking forward to your comment.
Hi Linda, We haven’t tested these with cream of tartar but you can always add extra lemon zest for even more lemon flavor. Let us know what you try!
These were awesome! Loved the mix of cakey top and creamy bottom. We used about half the sugar called for and swapped lime because my husband was craving lime. Delicious!
incredible recipe… thanks…
I made this for my mom’s birthday today and she loved it (and she doesn’t like to admit that my cooking is good but she said this was excellent). I am excited to eat the rest tomorrow!
I made this recipe the other day and they turned out fantastic! I love lemon desserts. Thanks for sharing.
I made this today in a square pan ,it was delicious ! My family loved it !
Hi Sally,
Is there a way of halving this recipe as there are only 2 of us and since you don’t recommend freezing them I would love to be able to make them for me and my fiance. Thanks Claire
I have the same question. Only two people and only two ramekins. Would the batter keep alright if I kept it in the fridge and made more the next day?
Cheryl, How long did you bake the square pan? Thanks!
Dear Sally,
Cannot thank you enough for your wonderful recipes. I am a novice to baking and cooking. But the way you explain things in detail makes it easy for me bake … And tada!!! almost all your recipes come out great!
I tried this recipe with Lime. I used 80 ml lime and 1 tsp of zest. I substituted rest of the lime quantity with milk. My limes are very sour so i think it is good to use 60 ml next time.. so it gives a nice delicate flavor.
regards
sindhu
Just made this tonight. Oh my gosh, it is incredible! Perfect balance of tart and sweet. And easy to make too. Definitely something I will be making in the future. Thanks Sally, for another great recipe.
So light, bright tasting, and tasty! It also came together so quickly. I modified it to fit our family of four: halved the recipe and baked in four 7oz ramekins (all I had). With less batter per ramekin and larger ramekins, I wasn’t sure about the baking time. I set a timer for 25min, checked on them and took them out at about 22.5min. They turned out great, and had the pudding layer, but I would try to take them out even a little earlier. Kids and husband approved.
Absolutely love it. I was obsessed with making this recipe when I saw it, and it did not disappoint. It came out exactly as expected. My children, as it turned out, are not the lemon fans that I am. For them — and face it, for me, too! 🙂 — I’d like to start building on lessons learned from this recipe to make a chocolate version.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sam! Have you tried my chocolate lava cakes yet?
I have not, but I sure will! Thanks!