Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

I am a sucker for anything lemon, however warm lemon pudding cakes may very well be my preferred method to appreciate lemon.

Setting up these pudding cakes includes a few stages.

First, you make the lemony pudding base, utilizing egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zing, sugar and a touch of flour, for thickening. At that point independently, you prepare the egg whites with a touch of sugar. Both of these parts are then tenderly collapsed together. As it heats, the velvety lemon pudding cooks on the base while the egg whites buoy to the top and concoct into a delicate meringue-like "cake".

I should call attention to that it truly isn't cake, as we ordinarily consider it. It's light. Souffle-like. I've offered a few hints on both these things underneath in the Cook's Notes!

In case you're searching for a treat that is light and not very sweet, this is an ideal decision. It would be incredible for completing an uncommon supper as the flavor is new, yet it's light enough to be delighted in on the head of a major feast. This pudding kept well in the refrigerator, without enduring much by any means, on the off chance that you have to make it ahead of a piece. Simply spread with saran wrap once cooled, refrigerate and re-warm somewhat before serving.

Note: The cups that I prepared my puddings in are set apart as broiler safe. I wouldn't propose utilizing cups that don't unmistakably demonstrate they will be protected in the stove, as awful things could happen to them and I'd feel horrendous about that.

Cook's Notes For Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

You can make these lemon pudding cakes with ordinary lemons or Meyer lemons if they happen to be in season Use somewhat more lemon juice if utilizing Meyer lemons.

Separate your eggs cautiously. Indeed, even the littlest measure of yolks in your whites will cause your egg whites not to prepare well.

If utilizing a similar bowl for both the cake and egg whites, make certain to wash well in the middle. Egg whites won't prepare well if there is any oil or oil in the bowl.

Plans in every case simply state "whip the egg whites and overlap in", with the suspicion that it's a breeze and everybody knows precisely how to do that. Since it required some investment to truly comprehend and ace the procedure, I figured a little guidance may be convenient. So here's a fast groundwork

How To Whip Egg Whites

Always start with a squeaky clean and completely dry bowl. Any bit of water or grease in the bowl will interfere with the egg whites whipping well.

Starting with fresh, room temperature egg whites is best.

If using a stand mixer, use the whisk attachment. Start mixing the egg whites on LOW speed until they are very foamy (like a bubble bath!). Increase the mixer speed to MEDIUM speed and continue mixing until soft peaks form. To test for soft peaks, you would stop the mixer. Dip the whisk or beaters in the egg whites then lift out and turn upside down with the peak at the top. Soft peaks will form, but then start to droop. The soft peak stage is typically when sugar is added to the egg whites. Add sugar slowly, with the mixer on low. For stiff peaks, continue mixing on medium speed a little longer, testing regularly. When you lift the beater and turn upside down, the peak will form and stay upright, without drooping. You know you have stiff peaks if you could hold the bowl of whipped egg whites over your head and stay clean :)

How To Fold In Egg Whites

Once you have your perfect egg whites, be sure you don't stir out all the wonderful lightness you just whipped in. "Folding" involves using a rubber spatula to carefully incorporate the egg whites with the batter. Since the batter is much heavier than the whites, you need to do this slowly and lightly.

Once you've spooned the whites over the batter, use a rubber spatula using the following technique: Using the edge of the spatula like a blade, slice through the mixture from 12 o'clock position to 6 o'clock position. When you get to 6 o'clock, twist the spatula blade clockwise, then use it to lift some of the batter at the bottom over the egg whites. Rotate the bowl slightly and repeat this motion. Keep doing this until the whites are combined with the batter.

INGREDIENTS

· 2 Tbsp butter (at room temperature)

· 1 cup white sugar (DIVIDED)

· 3 large eggs (separated)

· 1 Tbsp lemon zest

· 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

· 1/4 tsp salt

· 1 cup milk

· 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ((3-4 lemons) or slightly more if using Meyer lemons)

· 2 Tbsp icing/confectioners sugar (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° F with rack in centre of the oven and lightly butter one 1.5 quart baking dish or 4-6 individual, small ramekins. Have ready a high-sided roasting pan and place the prepared dish (or dishein to the roasting pan. Bring 8-10 cups of water to a simmer (will be added to the roasting pan to bake the puddings). Separate your eggs and have ready.
2. Set aside 2 Tbsp. of the white sugar. Add the rest of the sugar to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the butter and beat (with stand mixer or electric mixeuntil mixture is grainy but light. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and mix in. Add the flour and salt and mix. Add the milk and lemon juice and mix until combined. Set aside, or if using your stand mixer, remove to a large bowl and wash your mixer bowl really well (you'll be whipping the egg whites in it next, so be sure it is squeaky clean!).

3. In another bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat your egg whites until they're frothy and beginning to form soft peaks. Sprinkle in the reserved 2 Tbsp. of white sugar and beat again until stiff peaks form.

4.   Spoon the whipped egg whites on top of the egg yolk mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites in to the egg yolk mixture by pulling a bit of the batter up and over the egg whites. Continue working gently until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Do not over mix, but be sure there aren't any large chunks of egg whites.

5.   Pour or ladle your batter in to the prepared dish or dishes, set in the roasting pan. Carefully pour simmering water in to the roasting pan so it comes about halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Carefully transfer the roasting pan with the water and ramekins in to the preheated 350° oven. Pudding(will bake anywhere from 30 minutes (for small, individual servingto 45 minutes (for one large pudding). Baking times will vary though, so do watch closely. You want the top to be firm and golden, but not browned.

6.   Remove the pudding from the oven and transfer baking dish or dishes to a cooling rack. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before dusting with icing/confectioners sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!