why make this recipe
This pudding is warm, soft, and full of bright citrus taste. It feels rich but it’s easy to make. You can serve it for a family dinner or when friends come. The lemon lifts the dish and the gooey center makes it comforting.
introduction
Warm and Gooey Citrus Pudding is a baked, custard-like dessert with a crackled, golden top and a soft, sticky center. It uses simple pantry ingredients and lemon for fresh flavor. You bake it in a water bath so it cooks gently and stays moist.
how to make Warm and Gooey Citrus Pudding
Ingredients :
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 dash icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions : Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9X9 inch oven-safe dish. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar and lemon zest until pale and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks one at a time until incorporated.
Step 3: Add the flour and half and half alternatively until incorporated, then add the lemon juice until you have a smooth and silky batter.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until fluffy and glossy white, but stiff.
Step 5: Fold the lemon batter and egg whites together until just combined and pour into baking dish.
Step 6: Place your baking dish into a larger pan filled with hot water until it reaches halfway up the dessert dish. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cracking.
Step 7: Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately!
how to serve Warm and Gooey Citrus Pudding
Serve it warm right after baking. Add a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a few thin citrus slices work well. Dust with icing sugar for a pretty touch.
how to store Warm and Gooey Citrus Pudding
Cool the pudding to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) until warm, or use short bursts in the microwave. Freezing is not ideal because the texture can change, but you can freeze in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Warm and Gooey Citrus Pudding
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother mixing.
- Beat egg whites to stiff peaks for lightness.
- Fold whites gently to keep air in the batter.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Bake in a water bath to avoid curdling and to keep the pudding moist.
- Check the pudding near the end of bake time; the top should be golden and the center slightly jiggly.
variation (if any)
- Swap lemon for lime or grapefruit for a different citrus note.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty hint.
- Use heavy cream instead of half and half for a richer pudding.
- Stir in a few raspberries before baking for small fruit pockets.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without a water bath?
A: You can, but the water bath helps the pudding cook gently and stay creamy. Without it, the edges can overcook.
Q: Can I use milk instead of half and half?
A: Yes. Milk works, but the pudding will be a bit less rich.
Q: How do I know it is done?
A: The top should be golden and cracked. The center should still jiggle a little when you move the dish.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can bake it ahead and reheat it gently before serving. It is best served warm.
Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: A similar-sized oven-safe dish works. Bake time may change slightly if the batter depth changes.
Conclusion
This recipe comes from a long line of citrus puddings and you can read a classic version at Warm & Gooey Citrus Pudding – Food52. For a low-carb take, see a keto version that swaps ingredients at Keto Lemon Pudding Cakes – All Day I Dream About Food. If you want more pudding ideas and comfort-food takes, check out this collection of easy puddings at Pudding is the Ultimate Comfort Food (We Have Proof!) – Food52. For citrus ideas that work across sweet and savory dishes, this citrus roast note can inspire pairings: STT 15: One Pan Roasted Citrus Chicken with Lemony Potatoes …. To try a different tart citrus pudding cake idea, see this grapefruit version at Grapefruit Pudding Cake That’s Bitter in the Best Way Possible.