Oh, the joy of baking! There’s something so mesmerizing about the way simple ingredients can transform into something delightful and heartwarming. One of my absolute favorites is the Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe. Imagine a soft, fluffy cake layer resting on a creamy lemon pudding, all bursting with zesty flavors! I remember the first time I had this dessert at a family gathering; my aunt brought it out with a flourish, and the aroma of fresh lemons filled the room. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for a slice, and I couldn’t resist diving in! Each bite was like a hug from spring itself, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. It’s a dessert that brings us together, celebrating life’s little moments. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, this cake never fails to brighten the day!

Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs, separated (you’ll use the yolks for the batter and the whites for folding later)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (the zestier, the better!)
- Zest of 1 lemon (adds that lovely citrus aroma)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (to bind everything together)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional, but it adds a lovely touch!)
Having these ingredients prepped and ready will make the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a medium baking dish and grease it well. I like to use a little butter for this – it adds a nice flavor and helps the cake slide right out when it’s done!
Creaming the Mixture
Next, it’s time to cream the butter and sugar together. In a mixing bowl, beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cake that lovely light texture. It should look pale and almost whipped, so don’t rush this part!
Combining Ingredients
Now, let’s make this batter sing! Add the egg yolks, milk, fresh lemon juice, and the zest to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and you can almost taste that zesty goodness! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gently stir this dry mix into the wet ingredients until it’s smooth. Take your time here – you want everything to blend beautifully without any lumps!
Folding in Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means when you pull the whisk out, the peaks should stand tall and proud. Gently fold these whipped egg whites into your batter. This step adds volume, so be careful not to deflate them – it’s all about that lightness!
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, and let it work its magic in the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Trust me, the smell will have you drooling!
Serving Suggestions
Once it’s done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy this dessert warm for that saucy pudding texture, or chill it for a firmer consistency. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with some powdered sugar for that beautiful presentation. Either way, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Protein: 3 g
These values are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re about to savor. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! While the Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake shines with lemon, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. Just remember, each fruit will bring its unique flavor profile, so adjust the sugar slightly if you use sweeter fruits like oranges. The zest will still add that wonderful aroma!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
You can definitely make this cake ahead of time! Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to dust it with powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh look!
What can I serve with this dessert?
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If you want to keep it light, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a lovely touch. A cup of tea or a light dessert wine also complements the cake wonderfully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for spontaneous baking!
- Flavorful: The bright, zesty lemon flavor combined with the creamy pudding layer creates a dessert that’s refreshing and delicious.
- Classic Comfort: This recipe is a beloved classic, evoking warm memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm for a saucy dessert or chilled for a firmer bite, perfect for any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes this dessert not only tasty but also beautiful to serve!

Tips for Success
To ensure your Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tried-and-true tips!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons make all the difference in flavor, so go for those zesty beauties instead of bottled juice.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. The top should be lightly golden and set.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the pudding layer settle and makes for easier slicing!
- Don’t Rush the Creaming: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is essential for a light texture, so take your time here!
Variations
While the Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake is absolutely delightful as is, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Herb Infusion: Add a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme to the batter for an aromatic twist that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Berry Burst: Fold in some fresh raspberries or blueberries before baking for a fruity surprise that adds a lovely color and flavor.
- Ginger Zest: Incorporate finely grated fresh ginger into the batter for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the lemony goodness.
- Coconut Cream: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe that brings a new dimension to this classic dessert!
These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting while still honoring its traditional roots. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three days, but it can last up to a week if sealed well. Just make sure to dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that lovely touch!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either serve it cold directly from the fridge or gently reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will bring back its wonderful, creamy texture without drying it out. Enjoy every last bite!
Leave a Comment
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe! Have you tried making it or put your own spin on it? Feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other in the kitchen!
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Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe to Cherish Forever
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a soft cake layer with a creamy lemon pudding underneath.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolks, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
- Whisk flour and salt together and stir into the batter until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- The cake forms a soft cake layer on top with a lemony pudding layer underneath as it bakes.
- Serve warm for a saucier texture or chilled for a firmer consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake Recipe