The Zesty Sunshine Lemon Pudding Recipe You’ll Love Today

Creamy and bright, this lemon pudding brings sunshine to your dessert table with minimal effort.

Whisking together simple ingredients creates a magical transformation in your kitchen.

Tangy citrus notes dance across your palate, promising pure delight.

Silky smooth textures melt effortlessly, revealing layers of refreshing flavor.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dessert comes together without complicated techniques.

Dessert enthusiasts will appreciate the balance between sweet and tart in every spoonful.

Ready to experience a zesty treat that feels like a culinary hug?

Fun Variations For Delia Smith Lemon Pudding

• Gluten-Free Citrus Pudding: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegan Sunshine Pudding: Swap eggs with silken tofu, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add extra lemon zest for brightness.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Treat: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calories while keeping tangy flavor.
• Orange Vanilla Variation: Replace lemon juice with fresh orange juice and add vanilla extract for a different citrus profile that's equally refreshing.

Best Pairings For Delia Smith Lemon Pudding

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Dessert Wines: Complement the lemon pudding's bright flavor with a crisp, sweet Moscato d'Asti or a zesty late-harvest Riesling.
• Serve with Fresh Berry Garnish: Top the pudding with a medley of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries to enhance its tangy citrus notes and add vibrant color.
• Match with Light Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or mint tea to balance the pudding's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to its sweet-tart profile.
• Create a Lavender Shortbread Companion: Prepare delicate lavender shortbread cookies as a subtle, aromatic side that beautifully echoes the pudding's delicate texture and lemony essence.

How To Store Delia Smith Lemon Pudding Properly

• Store leftover lemon pudding in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Portion pudding into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual servings at 50% power in 15-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.
• Place pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 160C (325F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking occasionally to maintain moisture.

Delia Smith Lemon Pudding FAQ Guide

• What makes this lemon pudding different from other desserts?

This pudding creates a unique self-saucing effect, where a delicate lemon custard forms underneath a light, fluffy cake-like top during baking.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and zest, as bottled juice lacks the same vibrant citrus notes and aromatic oils from fresh lemon zest.

• Is this pudding suitable for gluten-free diets?

The recipe contains wheat flour, so it’s not naturally gluten-free. However, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Why Delia Smith Lemon Pudding Is So Refreshing

• Unlock Zesty Flavor: Burst with bright, tangy lemon notes that dance on your taste buds, creating a refreshing dessert experience.
• Master Simple Baking: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks wanting to develop their baking skills without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Delightful dessert suitable for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual weekend treats that everyone from kids to grandparents will adore.
• Comfort Dessert Magic: Warm, creamy pudding transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic that feels like a hug in a dish, bringing instant happiness to the table.

Ingredients For Delia Smith Lemon Pudding

• Sugar: A sweet ingredient that provides flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, intense citrus flavor and aromatic oils to the pudding.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Eggs: Provide structure, binding, and help the pudding set properly.
• Flour: Gives structure and helps thicken the pudding.

• Lemon Juice: Brings tangy citrus flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Cling Film, Roasting Pan, Baking Dish: Essential tools for preparing and protecting the pudding during baking and chilling process.

How To Make Delia Smith Lemon Pudding

Step 1: Zest and Sugar

Grab a fresh lemon and vigorously rub the zest into the sugar, releasing the bright, citrusy oils and creating an aromatic base for your pudding.

Step 2: Whip and Blend

Cream the sugar-zest mixture with butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth foundation for your dessert.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flour

Gradually introduce beaten eggs and flour to the creamy mixture, alternating between the two to ensure a silky, lump-free batter that will result in a velvety pudding texture.

Step 4: Add Liquid Brightness

Gently stir in fresh lemon juice and milk, letting the tangy citrus and creamy milk blend seamlessly into the batter, enhancing its delicate flavor profile.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Carefully strain the batter into a baking dish, ensuring a smooth, even consistency that will transform into a delectable dessert.

Step 6: Create a Water Bath

Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan, then pour hot water halfway up the sides, creating a gentle, even heat environment that will help your pudding set perfectly.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the pudding turns a light golden color and has a softly set, wobbling center – typically around 35-40 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature, then cover with cling film directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and set.

Helpful Tips For Delia Smith Lemon Pudding

• Zest Technique: Gently rub lemon zest into sugar to release maximum citrus oils and enhance the pudding's bright flavor profile.
• Mixing Method: Add eggs and flour gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky batter consistency.
• Water Bath Wisdom: Use hot water in the roasting pan to create gentle, even heat and prevent the pudding from cracking or burning.
• Chilling Strategy: Cover the pudding's surface directly with cling film to prevent skin formation and maintain a creamy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Ensure oven is fully preheated to 180C for consistent baking and perfect golden color.

Lemon Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky smooth lemon pudding brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Rich citrus notes and creamy texture invite sweet memories of homemade comfort you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Eggs:

• 3 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Citrus Components:

• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 2 medium lemons

Other Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• Fresh strawberries (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Massage lemon zest into sugar, releasing aromatic oils and creating a fragrant base.
2. Whip sugar and butter until fluffy and pale, developing a light, creamy texture.
3. Incorporate beaten eggs and flour systematically, alternating to ensure smooth batter consistency.
4. Gently fold in fresh lemon juice and milk, blending until mixture is uniform and silky.
5. Pour batter through a fine-mesh strainer into a prepared baking dish, eliminating any potential lumps.
6. Position baking dish inside a larger roasting pan, carefully adding hot water to create a water bath that reaches midway up the dish sides.
7. Slide into preheated 180C (350F) oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until surface turns delicate golden and center maintains a soft, gentle wobble.
8. Remove from oven and allow pudding to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Refrigerate pudding, covering surface directly with cling film to prevent skin formation and preserve smooth texture.

Notes

• Zest selection matters: Choose bright yellow, organic lemons with smooth, waxy skin for maximum flavor and minimal bitterness.
• Temperature control ensures perfect texture: Ingredients should be at room temperature to create smooth, even mixing without curdling.
• Water bath technique prevents burning: Using hot water around the baking dish helps distribute heat evenly and creates a delicate, custard-like consistency.
• Gluten-free adaptation works smoothly: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 224 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg