The moment you try this Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become one of those effortlessly charming desserts to keep in your repertoire. It’s a heavenly combination of tender lemon cake and creamy pudding that magically bake together to form a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. With every spoonful, you get that zesty brightness balanced by a silky texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite for gatherings or a special treat any time you crave something delightful and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden hue. From the citrusy sparkle of lemon cake mix to the smooth richness of pudding, every element comes together in harmony.
- Lemon cake mix (9×13 size): Provides the light, citrusy base with built-in lemon flavor to keep things easy and consistent.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for both the cake and pudding components.
- Canola oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering the delicate lemon taste.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while lending structure to the cake.
- Instant lemon pudding mix (2 boxes, 3.4 ounces each): Brings creamy lemon flavor and that signature custard-like texture.
- Sugar (â…“ cup): Sweetens the pudding layer and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Cold water (1 ¼ cups): Lightens the pudding mixture to ensure it doesn’t overpower the cake.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a pretty finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.
- Whipped cream: For serving, delivering a cloud-like creaminess that pairs perfectly.
- Fresh mint sprigs and lemon slices: Serve as aromatic and visually stunning garnishes.
How to Make Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spraying your 9×13 baking dish with baking spray helps prevent sticking and ensures your cake lifts out beautifully after baking. A well-prepped pan sets the tone for success.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, 1 cup whole milk, canola oil, and eggs. Whisk until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. This batter transforms into the luscious, flavorful foundation of the dessert when baked.
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This even layer ensures uniform baking and a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Step 4: Mix the Lemon Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, instant lemon pudding mixes, 2 cups whole milk, and 1 ¼ cups cold water. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. This luscious pudding is what makes this recipe so uniquely dreamy.
Step 5: Drop Dollops of Pudding Over the Batter
Spoon dollops of the pudding mixture over the cake batter. Don’t worry about perfection here; those irregular drops create the signature pudding pockets that bake into the cake for a delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking with a Cookie Sheet
Set your baking dish on a cookie sheet to catch any drips that might bubble over during baking. This simple step saves you from oven messes and makes cleanup far easier.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, the pudding sinks slightly, creating that luscious, creamy layer beneath the moist lemon cake.
Step 8: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Let your cake cool for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set perfectly so each slice holds together while revealing those gorgeous pudding streams within.
How to Serve Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this dessert’s fresh and vibrant personality with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, a bright lemon slice, and a sprig of fresh mint. These small touches bring elegance and a refreshing aroma that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a simple fruit salad featuring berries or citrus segments to complement the lemon’s brightness. A cup of hot tea or a light sparkling wine also works beautifully alongside for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in individual clear glass bowls or trifle cups to showcase the luscious lemon layers, topped with garnishes. You can also cut it into mini squares and arrange on a platter with mint leaves scattered around for an inviting party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover luscious lemon pudding cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish stays moist and flavorful, and you’ll find that the flavors develop even more as it chills.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To warm leftover cake slices, heat gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until just warm. Avoid overheating to keep the pudding layer creamy and luscious. Serving with fresh whipped cream elevates the pleasure.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade lemon cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Using a homemade lemon cake batter can add a unique touch. Just be sure it has a similar consistency to boxed cake mixes so the pudding layer bakes properly alongside it.
Is it necessary to use whole milk for this recipe?
Whole milk provides the best richness and texture, especially for the pudding. However, you can try 2% milk if needed, but the final dessert might be slightly less creamy.
Can I substitute lemon pudding with another flavor?
While lemon pudding is key to achieving that bright, fresh lemon taste, you could experiment with other citrus flavors like orange or lime pudding mixes for a fun twist, though it will change the classic essence of the dish.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are delicious cold right from the fridge or lightly warmed. Adding a dollop of whipped cream before serving refreshes the experience and adds extra indulgence.
Why does the pudding layer sink into the cake?
This is exactly what you want! The pudding slowly sinks during baking, creating delightful pockets of creamy, lemony custard inside the fluffy cake, which makes this dessert so irresistibly luscious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert to cherish. Its simplicity combined with its extraordinary creamy and zesty layers makes it perfect for both weeknight treats and impressive gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake as much as I do—once you taste it, you’ll understand why it easily earns a top spot in your dessert favorites!
Print
Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Luscious Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert combining a moist lemon-flavored cake base with pockets of creamy lemon pudding throughout. The cake is easy to prepare using a boxed lemon cake mix and instant pudding mix, making it a perfect sweet treat for gatherings or a refreshing ending to any meal. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh mint, and lemon slices, this dessert offers a balance of tangy and sweet flavors with a wonderfully tender texture.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 lemon cake mix (9×13 size)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
Pudding Mixture
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- â…“ cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups cold water
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup canola oil, and 3 large eggs until the batter is smooth and thoroughly combined. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the ⅓ cup sugar, two boxes of instant lemon pudding mix, 2 cups whole milk, and 1 ¼ cups cold water. Beat vigorously with a whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
- Layer pudding: Spoon dollops of the prepared lemon pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter in the baking dish.
- Prepare for baking: Place the baking dish onto a cookie sheet to catch any dripping pudding or batter that may overflow during baking, which helps keep your oven clean.
- Bake: Transfer the cookie sheet with the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating that the cake is baked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs for an elegant presentation before serving and enjoying.
Notes
- Make sure to place the baking dish on a cookie sheet to catch any drips during baking.
- The cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute canola oil with melted butter if desired.
- Use fresh lemon slices and mint for an attractive garnish and enhanced freshness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
