This Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of cake with the creamy richness of pudding. Itโs a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. The best part? Itโs incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, youโll have a stunning dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Dual Texture: Experience the perfect combination of fluffy cake and smooth pudding in every bite.
- Lemon Loverโs Dream: The bright, zesty flavor of lemon shines through in both the cake and pudding layers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress family and friends at gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients Youโll Need
- Lemon Cake Mix: The foundation of our dessert, providing a light and fluffy texture.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps create a moist cake.
- Canola Oil: Keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, lemony layer that seeps into the cake.
- Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Water: Helps achieve the right consistency for the pudding layer.
- Powdered Sugar: For a beautiful, snowy finish on top.
- Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious touch to each serving.
- Fresh Mint and Lemon Slices: For a pop of color and extra freshness.
Note: Youโll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Berry Bliss: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Coconut Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for a tropical touch.
- Lime Twist: Substitute lime juice and zest for a different citrus flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How to Make Lemon Pudding Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven and mix the cake ingredients until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Create the Pudding Layer
Whisk together the pudding mix, sugar, milk, and water until thick. Spoon this mixture over the cake batter.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish on a cookie sheet (trust me, this step is crucial!) and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Garnish
Let the cake cool, then dust with powdered sugar and add your toppings.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Donโt overmix the cake batter; gentle folding will keep it light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- The pudding layer might look messy when youโre spooning it on, but donโt worry โ itโll create a beautiful marbled effect as it bakes.
How to Serve
This Lemon Pudding Cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Let frozen pieces thaw in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade lemon cake recipe instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Just make sure your recipe is suited for a 9ร13 inch pan.
My pudding layer sank to the bottom. What happened?
This is normal! The pudding will create a lovely layer at the bottom as it bakes.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can try reducing the added sugar slightly, but be careful not to alter the texture too much.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
This Lemon Pudding Cake is a true kitchen marvel โ simple to make yet impressive to serve. The bright, citrusy flavors and contrasting textures make it a dessert thatโs hard to resist. Whether youโre a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create a little slice of lemon heaven!
PrintLuscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with this Lemon Pudding Cake. This delightful dessert combines the light, fluffy texture of lemon cake with the creamy richness of lemon pudding, creating a mouthwatering treat thatโs sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake mix (9x13 size)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and spray a 9ร13 baking dish with baking spray.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix, 1 cup whole milk, canola oil, and eggs until combined and smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare pudding mixture: In another large bowl, beat the sugar, pudding mixes, 2 cups milk, and 1 ยผ cups water until combined and thick, whisking for about 2 minutes.
- Layer pudding: Spoon dollops of the pudding mixture all over the top of the cake batter.
- Prepare for baking: Place the baking dish onto a cookie sheet to catch any potential drips during baking.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet with the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, a lemon slice, and a mint sprig. Enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra lemony flavor, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cake can be served warm or chilled, depending on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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