Baked Lemon Sponge Pudding

This baked lemon sponge pudding is a gentle balance of airy cake and bright citrus, baked right in its own sauce until the sponge puffs up atop a tangy lemon syrup. It’s not fancy—just pantry staples and fresh lemons—but the result feels quietly special. You’ll get a light, tender cake on top, with a silky, syrupy pool of lemon underneath. Cool enough to serve any season, yet lively enough to perk up a rainy afternoon or a simple dessert course after dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade in the best sense: approachable, unfussy, honest. You don’t need any special skills. If you can whisk eggs and zest a lemon, you can make this pudding. And for home cooks aiming for a lemon dessert that’s not too heavy or overly sweet, this is your ticket. The sponge forms as it bakes, lifting above the lemon sauce; when you spoon it onto a plate, you’ll get both cake and sauce together—each bite both soft and tangy.

Required Equipment
Before you start, gather a few basic tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl large enough to whisk comfortably without spilling. A sturdy whisk or handheld electric mixer will make light work of the eggs. You’ll also need a fine grater or microplane for zesting lemons, plus a citrus juicer or reamer to extract fresh juice. For baking, use individual pudding dishes (ramekins) or an ovenproof baking dish—roughly four to six cups total capacity so the pudding can rise without overflowing. A baking pan half-filled with hot water (a water bath) helps the sponge bake evenly and stay moist. Finally, have a spatula or wooden spoon for folding, and a cooling rack to rest your ramekins once they come out of the oven. No fancy gadgets—just everyday kitchen tools.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
Prep time for this lemon sponge pudding is about 20 minutes: zesting, juicing, whisking, and folding. Baking takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of your dishes. Plan on an extra 10 minutes of standing time before serving, so it’s hot but not scorching. In total, you’ll need just under an hour from start to finish. This recipe yields six moderate servings—perfect for a small family dessert or for entertaining a few friends. If you need to serve more, you can bake in a larger dish, though baking time may increase slightly. Always check that the sponge tops are puffed and lightly golden, and that the sauce bubbles around the edges before removing from the oven.

Ingredients
Below is a clear breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need, with both U.S. and metric measurements. All-purpose flour and granulated sugar are the only pantry must-haves; the rest comes down to eggs, lemons, milk, and butter. For the lemon, fresh zest and juice are key—no bottled lemon juice, please. The fresh oils in the zest add aroma and flavor you can’t fake.

Ingredient	U.S. Measurement	Metric Measurement
All-purpose flour	¾ cup + 2 tbsp	100 g
Granulated sugar	½ cup + 2 tbsp	125 g
Large eggs (room temp)	3 whole eggs	3 whole eggs
Whole milk	⅓ cup	80 ml
Unsalted butter	4 tbsp (½ stick)	57 g
Lemon zest	Zest of 2 medium lemons	Zest of 2 medium lemons
Fresh lemon juice	¼ cup	60 ml
Vanilla extract (optional)	½ tsp	2.5 ml
Pinch of salt	–	–

Preparation Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a kettle or pot of water on to boil for the water bath. Lightly butter six 6-ounce ramekins (or a single 2-quart baking dish) so the sponge can rise easily without sticking. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with the milk just until combined and warm; set aside to cool slightly.

While that cools, separate two eggs, placing the yolks in one mixing bowl and the whites into the bowl of your stand mixer or a clean bowl for whisking. To the yolks, add ¼ cup (50 g) of the sugar, the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla (if using), and the slightly cooled milk mixture. Whisk vigorously until pale and smooth. Sift in the flour and salt, then stir gently with a spatula just until no dry pockets remain—overmixing will deflate your sponge.

Making the Lemon Sauce
The lemon sauce forms the bed in which your sponge will bake. In a shallow baking dish or directly in the bottom of your ramekins, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour the lemon-infused milk-and-butter mixture over the sugar, then gently spoon the flour-egg batter on top, dividing evenly among the six dishes. As it bakes, the sauce will bubble up from below, creating that signature pudding effect: a sponge perched atop a tangy sauce. If you prefer, you can make this in one large dish: the sauce-to-sponge proportion remains the same.

Beating Egg Whites and Folding
Now comes the lift. Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, then increase to high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This step adds air to the pudding, giving you that sponge texture instead of a dense cake. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold one-third of the whites into the yolk-flour mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining whites, working around the bowl’s edge, lifting and turning rather than stirring. It’s okay if a few streaks remain; better to preserve air than overmix.

Assembling for Baking
Arrange your ramekins in a deep baking pan. Fill the pan with the hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins — this bain-marie ensures an even, gentle heat. Slide into the center of your preheated oven. Bake undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sponges are puffed, lightly golden on top, and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Avoid opening the oven door in the first 25 minutes, or the sponges may collapse.

Baking and Checking for Doneness
When the timer goes off, check each pudding: the tops should spring back with a light touch, and the sauce around should look foamy and active. If they need more time—sometimes ovens vary—give them an extra 3 to 5 minutes, but keep a close eye. Once done, carefully lift the ramekins from the water bath (use tongs or oven mitts) and place them on a cooling rack. Let them rest 5 to 10 minutes: this helps the sauce settle so it doesn’t slosh over when you serve.

Serving Suggestions
Spoon each pudding onto a small plate or serve straight in the ramekin. A dusting of powdered sugar draws the eye, but it’s optional. You can add a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. For a garnish, thin lemon slices or a few mint leaves add color and a hint of freshness. Keep it simple—this pudding stands on its own, thanks to the contrast of the light sponge and tangy sauce.

Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers—which is rare—they’ll keep, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sponge will sink a bit as it cools, and the sauce may thicken. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Or microwave in a ramekin for 30 to 45 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as fresh as straight from the oven.

Tips for Success
A few honest pointers can make the difference. First, room-temperature eggs whisk more easily into a stable foam. If you forget to pull them out of the fridge, place them in warm water for 5 minutes. Second, don’t skip the water bath—without it, the sponge can bake too quickly around the edges and remain undercooked in the center. Third, handle the beaten egg whites gently. That air is what gives your pudding its signature lift and texture. Finally, use fresh lemons with bright, glossy skins; older lemons tend to be dry inside and yield less juice and zest.

Nutritional Information
The following nutrition facts are an estimate per serving (one sixth of the recipe), assuming no optional toppings:

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Sugars: 24 g
• Protein: 5 g

These values can shift slightly depending on the size of your eggs, the exact amount of juice you extract, or any garnishes. Still, it gives you a ballpark so you know what you’re serving.

Conclusion
This baked lemon sponge pudding strikes a homey note without being dull. It honors the simplicity of cake and sauce baked together, with a bright citrus twist that keeps it from feeling heavy. Perfect for when you want a dessert that’s easy to pull off but feels thoughtful, it’s a great way to use up lemons or brighten up an ordinary day. Whether you serve it at a picnic, small dinner party, or just after a weeknight meal, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.