Ah, the warm embrace of a sunny lemon pudding! I can almost hear the birds chirping and feel the gentle afternoon breeze as the sweet scent of citrus fills my kitchen. There’s something undeniably uplifting about lemon desserts—it’s like a burst of sunshine on a plate. I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Pudding; it was during one of those lazy spring afternoons when everything feels fresh and new. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of lemon and sugar would dance together, creating a melody of flavors that lingered in the air. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Jamie Oliver Lemon Pudding recipe with you. It’s light, fluffy, and utterly divine. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t be able to resist making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to whip up—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Bright and zesty flavor that feels like a springtime celebration.
- Light yet satisfying; a fantastic end to any meal.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this charming lemon pudding:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 125ml (½ cup) whole milk
- 100g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 2 lemons (the fresher, the zippier!)
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 100ml or ½ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Note: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key here; they give the pudding that bright, zesty flavor that we all love. If you can, use organic lemons—what a difference it makes!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful lemon pudding in no time.
- Preheat your oven: Get your oven preheating to 180°C (350°F). It’s time for some tasty magic to happen!
- Prepare your ramekins: Grease four ramekins with a bit of butter and then sprinkle with sugar to prevent sticking and create a lovely crust.
- Beat the egg yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. It should look a bit like a sunny yellow cloud—so delicious!
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well!
- Whisk the egg whites: In another, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks. Don’t overbeat; you want them to be fluffy, not dry!
- Fold it all together: Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture using a spatula. Be tender—this is what gives your pudding that lovely light texture. Watch out for overmixing!
- Pour and bake: Divide the mixture among your prepared ramekins and place them in a deep baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a gentle steam bath for your pudding). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and just set.
- Cool and serve: Let the puddings cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with a little extra sugar or dusted with icing sugar for a sweet finish.
Pro Tips & Variations
Now, let’s add some flair to your lemon pudding!
- Coconut Twist: Substitute some of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical vibe.
- Berry Delight: Top with fresh berries or a berry compote for a pop of color and flavor.
- Herbal Notes: A hint of fresh mint or basil can elevate the dish—try mixing finely chopped mint into the lemon mixture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some dark chocolate chips for a zesty chocolate lemon pudding (trust me, it works!).
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
This lemon pudding is simply divine served on its own or complemented with a few extras. Imagine it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream—light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Or perhaps serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing that cold sweetness to balance the zesty lemon. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted almonds could take it to a whole new level. Pair it with a cup of fragrant herbal tea or chilled Prosecco to really impress your guests!

Storage Tips
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (though I doubt that’s going to happen), here’s how to store your lemon pudding:
- Refrigerating: Place the cooled pudding in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can always reheat it gently in the oven for a bit of warmth.
- Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing. But if you must, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to a month.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop the ramekins back in a warm oven (about 160°C/320°F) until just heated through. You want to preserve that lovely texture!
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, I highly recommend going for fresh lemons. The flavor is so much brighter and more vibrant, making all the difference in this pudding!
What if I don’t have ramekins?
No worries! You can bake this pudding in a larger baking dish instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a bit longer to set.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’ll save you time and hassle!
What should I do if my pudding is too runny?
If your pudding isn’t setting properly, it might need a bit longer in the oven. Just keep checking on it until it’s set but still has that gorgeous wobbly jiggle. You want it soft but not liquid!
Conclusion
And there you have it—Jamie Oliver’s delightful Lemon Pudding! It’s the kind of dessert that can brighten any day, reminding you of all the simple joys of life. I hope you’re inspired to give this recipe a go and make some sweet memories in your kitchen. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so feel free to comment below with your experiences or any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking, my friends!






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