Lemon Pudding

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	12 min	27 min

Introduction

This silky lemon pudding is bright, tangy, and creamy, with just the right balance of sweet and tart.

It comes together on the stove with pantry staples, so you can skip the boxed mix and make it from scratch.

Serve it chilled for an easy make-ahead dessert, perfect for weeknights, holidays, or any lemon lover at your table.

How to Make Lemon Pudding

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Gather and prep your ingredients

Set out a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, a whisk, a heatproof bowl, and a fine-mesh strainer.
Separate the egg yolks from the whites, saving the whites for another recipe if you like.
Measure all ingredients before you start cooking, because the pudding thickens quickly.
Whisk the base together

In the saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until no cornstarch lumps remain.
Slowly whisk in the milk, adding a splash at first to form a smooth paste.
Whisk in the egg yolks until the mixture looks completely smooth and well combined.

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Cook the pudding on the stovetop

Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to steam.
Once it steams, continue whisking until the pudding bubbles and thickens to a silky, spoon-coating texture.
Turn the heat to low and cook one minute more, whisking, to fully activate the cornstarch.
Add lemon, butter, and vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the butter until it melts completely.
Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla, tasting to adjust the lemon brightness if needed.
Strain, portion, and chill

Pour the hot pudding through the fine-mesh strainer into the heatproof bowl to catch any tiny lumps.
Divide the pudding among four small ramekins or glasses for individual servings, or keep it in one dish.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin, then chill until cold, at least two hours.

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Serve the lemon pudding

Serve the pudding chilled, topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, or extra lemon zest if you like.

Substitutions

Whole milk -> 2% milk plus heavy cream: Use 1¾ cups 2% milk and ¼ cup heavy cream instead of the 2 cups whole milk. The pudding stays creamy but feels slightly lighter, with just a hint less richness on the spoon.
Cornstarch -> arrowroot starch: Swap the cornstarch for the same amount of arrowroot if you avoid corn products. The pudding will look slightly more translucent but still thick, with a very clean, bright lemon flavor.
Vanilla extract -> limoncello: Replace the vanilla with 1 tablespoon limoncello for a fun, adults-only pudding. It adds floral notes and a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with the tart lemon.

Tips

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching on the bottom of the pudding. Thin pans create hot spots, which cause lumps or a burned flavor before the mixture fully thickens.
Whisk constantly while cooking: Keep the whisk moving, reaching into the corners of the pan, so the thickening starch stays smooth. Constant whisking also helps slowly warm the egg yolks, which prevents curdling.
Look for big bubbles: Cornstarch needs a brief boil to thicken fully, so watch for large, slow bubbles in the center. Once you see them, cook about one minute more on low heat, whisking the whole time.
Cool with plastic wrap on the surface: Pressing plastic wrap directly on the pudding keeps a rubbery skin from forming as it cools. If you like the nostalgic skin, just cover the dish loosely instead.
Serve with something crunchy: Pair the soft pudding with crisp cookies, toasted nuts, or buttery graham crumbs for a texture contrast. The crunch balances the silky spoonful and makes each bite feel more special.

Energy	336	kcal
Protein	6	g
Total Fat	11	g
Carbohydrates	54	g
Dietary Fiber	1	g

FAQ

Why did my pudding turn lumpy?: Lumps usually mean the cornstarch gelled in spots or the egg yolks scrambled slightly. Next time, whisk constantly, keep the heat at medium, and strain the hot pudding through a fine-mesh sieve. You can also rescue lumpy pudding by blending it briefly with an immersion blender.
Can I make this pudding in advance?: Yes, this pudding is perfect for making ahead because it needs several hours to chill anyway. Store it covered in the fridge for up to three days for the best texture and flavor.
Why does my pudding taste eggy?: An eggy flavor often means the pudding overheated or simmered too long after thickening. Keep the heat moderate, and once it thickens and bubbles, cook only one minute on low. Bright lemon juice and zest also help balance any slight egg notes.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?: Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest, brightest flavor, so it is strongly preferred here. If you must use bottled juice, choose a good-quality brand and increase the zest slightly to boost freshness.