Sunshine in a Spoon: Zesty Lemon Surprise Pudding Recipe

Crafting a delightful lemon surprise pudding sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Sweet citrus aromas dance through the air, promising something magical.

Unexpected layers create a delectable dessert that challenges traditional pudding expectations.

Bright zesty notes will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tangy undertones, creating a memorable treat.

Soft, silky, and surprisingly light, this pudding delivers pure pleasure.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this sunshine-inspired dessert.

What Makes Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding Special

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for beginner bakers, this lemon pudding requires simple mixing techniques and basic kitchen skills without complicated steps.
• Create Magical Layers: The recipe magically transforms into two distinct layers during baking – a soft spongy top and a creamy lemon custard underneath, surprising everyone at the table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Bright, tangy lemon flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family-friendly treat for gatherings, weekend meals, or after-dinner sweet craving.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples like eggs, butter, flour, and lemons, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without a special grocery run.

Ingredients List for Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and enhances the flavor of the pudding.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized top on the dessert.
• Lemons: Provide a bright, tangy flavor and zesty aroma to the pudding.

• Egg Yolks: Create a rich, custard-like base and contribute to the pudding's creamy consistency.
• Egg Whites: Whipped to create a light, airy texture that gives the pudding its signature surprise layer.

• Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the pudding.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the pudding.

Step-by-Step for Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-forced). Grab a 2-liter baking dish and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Zesty Lemon Base

Grab your fresh lemons and carefully remove the outer zest using a grater. Then, juice all three lemons completely, collecting every drop of tangy liquid.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Mixture

• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated mixture. Add egg yolks and blend thoroughly. Gradually incorporate flour and milk, alternating between the two to create a silky batter.

Step 4: Whip Fluffy Egg Whites

Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat egg whites until they transform into stiff, glossy peaks. This step is crucial for creating the pudding’s light, airy texture.

Step 5: Fold and Combine

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lemon batter. Use a delicate folding motion to maintain the airiness of the whites, creating a cloud-like consistency.

Step 6: Prepare Water Bath

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Place the dish inside a larger roasting tin. Fill the roasting tin with hot water, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the water bath into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals the pudding is ready.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the dessert to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm for the most delightful experience.

Smart Tips for Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh, ripe lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus taste.
• Perfect Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites to stiff peaks using a clean, dry bowl to ensure maximum volume and lightness.
• Water Bath Wisdom: Ensure water in the roasting tin is hot and reaches exactly halfway up the baking dish for even, gentle cooking.
• Zesting Pro Tip: Grate lemon zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, bright lemon essence.
• Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Creative Twists on Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

• Gluten-Free Zesty Pudding: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Delight: Swap milk with coconut milk and use plant-based butter alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Reduced Sugar Lemon Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar to create a lower-calorie dessert.
• Vegan Citrus Pudding: Substitute egg yolks with mashed banana or applesauce and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a plant-based adaptation.

Perfect Pairings for Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

• Brighten Citrus Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose zesty acidity complements the pudding's tangy lemon notes perfectly.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Add a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream to balance the pudding's bright, sharp flavors and provide smooth textural contrast.
• Herbal Accent Enhancer: Garnish with fresh mint leaves, which will add a subtle cooling element and elevate the dessert's refreshing citrus profile.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that harmonizes with the pudding's light, airy texture.

How to Store Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding Properly

• Store leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and keep flavor fresh.
• Portion pudding into sealed freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment. Avoid freezing for longer periods to maintain texture.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 160C. Place pudding in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQ Section for Delia Smith Lemon Surprise Pudding

• How do I know when the pudding is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slight wobble in the center. The pudding should be set but still have a soft, custardy texture when you gently shake the dish.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is best for maximum flavor, but in a pinch, bottled juice can work. Just avoid any preservative-heavy brands that might alter the taste.

• Why do I need to separate the eggs?

Separating eggs and whipping the whites creates a light, airy texture that gives the pudding its signature surprise layer. The whipped whites help the pudding form a delicate, souffle-like top.

Lemon Surprise Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky lemon surprise pudding brings zesty sunshine from French pastry kitchens, melting layers of sweet and tangy magic. Creamy textures and bright citrus notes will delight you with each spoonful of this elegant dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium eggs, separated
• 3 lemons
• 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) vanilla sugar or caster sugar
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) plain flour

Fat and Binding Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• Unsalted butter (extra for greasing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and lightly coat a 2-liter baking dish with grease.
2. Extract zest from two lemons and squeeze juice from all three citrus fruits.
3. Cream together butter and sugar, incorporating lemon zest and juice until smooth and uniform.
4. Gently integrate egg yolks into the mixture, then alternately fold in flour and milk to create a silky batter.
5. Whisk egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks, carefully folding them into the prepared mixture to maintain airiness.
6. Transfer the delicate batter into the prepared baking dish, positioning the dish within a roasting tin filled with hot water reaching halfway up the sides.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a golden, enticing shade.
8. Allow the pudding to settle and slightly cool for a few minutes before serving while still warm, revealing its delightful layered texture.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for the most even mixing and optimal volume when whipping egg whites.
• Create a consistent texture by folding egg whites gently using a figure-eight motion to maintain their airiness.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the pudding’s delicate structure.
• Test pudding doneness by gently shaking the dish – it should have a slight wobble in the center while being golden on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 18 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg