Introduction
Experience the ultimate citrus indulgence with the Jamie Oliver Self Saucing Lemon Pudding Recipe, a dessert that balances soft, fluffy sponge with a tangy, creamy sauce beneath. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s passion for accessible yet extraordinary recipes, this pudding is a timeless treat that elevates simple ingredients into a comforting dessert masterpiece. Imagine the aroma of zesty lemon filling your kitchen as the pudding bakes to golden perfection—served warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any gathering or family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy, refreshing taste.
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Soft & Creamy Texture: Fluffy sponge atop a luscious self-saucing lemon layer.
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Quick & Simple: Minimal steps with basic ingredients create a gourmet result.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.
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Versatile Serving Options: Perfect with cream, custard, or ice cream.
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All Ages Enjoy: Loved by kids and adults alike for its delicate sweetness.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and reheated without losing charm.
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Inspired by Jamie Oliver: Brings a trusted chef’s magic to your kitchen effortlessly.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
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100g unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing) – creates a rich, moist sponge.
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150g caster sugar – for sweetness and sponge aeration.
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3 large free-range eggs (separated) – yolks for richness, whites for lightness.
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1 lemon (zest and juice) – key for tangy flavor.
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50g plain flour – forms the structure of the pudding.
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300ml whole milk – for creamy consistency.
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A pinch of salt – enhances the flavors.
For Serving (Optional):
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Icing sugar (for dusting)
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Cream or vanilla ice cream
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:
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Butter: Use unsalted for precise sweetness control; salted works in a pinch.
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Milk: Whole milk yields creamier results, but semi-skimmed works.
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Lemon: Preferably fresh for zest and juice; bottled juice is less vibrant.
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Eggs: Room temperature ensures better emulsion and fluffiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. A lightly floured dish ensures easy release of the pudding.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, giving your pudding a tender texture.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Lemon
Mix in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and juice. The citrus not only flavors the pudding but reacts with the sugar to keep it moist and tangy.
4. Fold in Flour and Milk
Gently fold in the plain flour to avoid overmixing, then gradually pour in the milk while stirring until smooth. This ensures a consistent batter with no lumps.
5. Whisk Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This adds lightness, helping the pudding rise beautifully in the oven.
6. Combine Mixtures
Carefully fold the stiff egg whites into the lemon batter, taking care not to deflate the air. The result is a soft, airy sponge with a delicate structure.
7. Prepare Water Bath
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Place the dish inside a larger roasting pan and fill it halfway with hot water. This gentle water bath ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.
8. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is lightly golden and set, while the bottom remains luscious and self-saucing. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen as it cooks.
9. Cool & Serve
Allow the pudding to cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar if desired and serve warm with cream or vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips
How to Make the Pudding Even Fluffier?
Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks and fold gently to retain air. This creates a sponge that melts in your mouth.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the pudding, cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Can I Substitute Lemon with Other Citrus?
Absolutely! Lime or orange can be used for a different tangy twist. Adjust sugar slightly if using sweeter citrus.
Best Ways to Serve
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Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or custard for extra indulgence.
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast hot and cold sensations.
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Garnish with thin lemon slices or candied zest for an elegant presentation.
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Crosslink: Try Easy Vanilla Custard Recipe for a creamy addition.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Protein: 6g
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Carbs: 42g
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Sugars: 30g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 85mg
Storage & Leftovers
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Microwave on low or oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed.
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Freeze: Can freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
FAQs
How do you make Jamie Oliver Self Saucing Lemon Pudding Recipe moist?
Use a water bath during baking and fold egg whites carefully. The lemon juice also keeps the pudding moist.
Can this pudding be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Texture may vary slightly but flavor remains zesty.
What is the best way to serve self-saucing pudding?
Serve warm, ideally with cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream to balance the tart lemon flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in individual portions?
Yes, bake in greased ramekins using the same steps. Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Variations
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter, milk, and flax eggs.
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Extra Tangy: Add an extra lemon zest and juice for zesty punch.
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Boozy Twist: Add a tablespoon of limoncello to the batter for a grown-up flavor.
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Fruit-Infused: Fold in raspberries or blueberries for additional layers of flavor.
Conclusion
The Jamie Oliver Self Saucing Lemon Pudding Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a moment of joy, a burst of tangy citrus that elevates any occasion. Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly creamy, this pudding will quickly become a household favorite.