This Jamie Oliver Self-Saucing Lemon Pudding is a delightful treat that combines a light, zesty sponge with a creamy, lemony sauce underneath. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and provides a comforting, indulgent dessert. Perfect for a cozy weekend treat, it’s a clever recipe that creates a soft, golden sponge on top and a magical lemon sauce underneath.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 55g (1/4 cup) butter, plus extra for greasing

• 115g (1/2 cup) sugar

• 1 lemon (zest and about 3 tablespoons juice)

• 2 large free-range eggs

• 55g (1/2 cup) self-raising flour

• 285ml (1 1/4 cups) milk

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 200ºC (400ºF or gas 6). Grease a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish with butter.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Grate in the lemon zest and beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

3. Add Egg Yolks and Flour: Separate your eggs. Add the yolks to the bowl one at a time, mixing well after each. Sift in the self-raising flour gradually to avoid lumps, then beat until smooth.

4. Add Lemon Juice and Milk: Pour in the lemon juice and milk, then mix everything thoroughly. The batter will be runny, which is exactly what you want.

5. Whisk the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the lemon mixture with a large spoon or spatula, keeping the air in the mixture.

6. Bake in a Water Bath: Pour the batter into the greased dish. Place the dish in a larger roasting tin and add boiling water to the tin, filling it one-third up the side of the pudding dish. Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center has a slight wobble.

7. Serve: Serve warm with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the hidden lemon sauce beneath the sponge!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 371

• Carbs: 45.2g

• Protein: 8.3g

• Fat: 17.3g

• Sugar: 35.1g

• Fibre: 0.6g

• Sodium: 146mg

The Charm of Self-Saucing Desserts

Self-saucing puddings are a unique type of dessert where the sauce forms underneath the sponge while baking. The process is simple: the batter, when poured into the baking dish, is relatively runny. During baking, the top layer rises to create a golden sponge, and the sauce settles at the bottom, ready to be scooped up along with every bite. In this case, the lemon sauce adds a tangy richness to the dessert, which pairs perfectly with the light, airy texture of the sponge.

This type of dessert is ideal for those who want something decadent without too much effort. There’s no need to separately prepare a sauce; it forms naturally as the pudding bakes, making it a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for novice bakers.

Why Lemon? The Perfect Zesty Flavor

Lemon is a fantastic fruit to use in desserts because of its fresh, vibrant flavor. It provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of most cakes and puddings. In this self-saucing lemon pudding, the lemon zest and juice infuse the sponge with a bright, zesty taste, while the sauce beneath delivers a soothing, creamy lemony richness. This combination creates a multi-layered experience with each spoonful, where the tanginess of the lemon perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar.

The use of both lemon zest and juice is key to achieving the right balance of flavor. The zest brings out the oil from the lemon peel, enhancing the aroma and intensity of the citrus, while the juice adds the refreshing acidity that makes the pudding so irresistible.

The Simplicity of Preparation

Making Jamie Oliver’s Self-Saucing Lemon Pudding is surprisingly easy. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are simple enough for even a beginner to follow. The first step is to cream the butter and sugar together, incorporating the lemon zest. This creates a light, airy base that forms the foundation of the pudding’s sponge.

Next, the egg yolks are added, followed by the flour, which is sifted in to ensure there are no lumps. The mixture should be smooth and runny at this stage, which is what you want. This batter will form the light sponge on top of the pudding.

The next key step is folding in the whipped egg whites. This is what gives the sponge its light and fluffy texture. By gently folding the stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter, you maintain the airiness, which will allow the pudding to rise beautifully during baking.

The batter is then poured into a greased ovenproof dish. The trick here is to bake the pudding in a water bath, which helps ensure even cooking and prevents the top from becoming too hard or dry. The dish is placed in a roasting tin with boiling water added around it, creating a steamy environment that promotes a moist and tender pudding. This method of baking allows the sauce to form underneath the sponge layer.

Baking the Pudding to Perfection

The pudding is baked for about 45 minutes at 200ºC (400ºF or gas 6), during which time the top becomes golden and slightly crispy while the bottom transforms into a smooth, creamy lemon sauce. The pudding should have a slight wobble when done, indicating the sauce has set but the pudding is still moist and soft.

It’s important to let the pudding cool for a few minutes after baking, as this allows the sauce to settle. When served, the spoon should easily cut through the sponge to reveal the luscious sauce beneath.

Serving the Pudding: A Perfect Dessert

Once the pudding is baked and cooled slightly, it’s time to serve. A dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the experience, adding a rich, creamy element that complements the tangy lemon flavor. The warmth of the pudding, paired with the coolness of the cream or ice cream, makes for a satisfying and indulgent treat.

This self-saucing lemon pudding is a great dessert for a cozy weekend meal or a special occasion. Its light, refreshing flavor is ideal for spring or summer, but it can also be enjoyed year-round as a comforting, tangy dessert. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to choice for those who want to impress their guests with minimal effort.

Nutritional Information: A Treat with Balance

Despite being a rich and indulgent dessert, Jamie Oliver’s Self-Saucing Lemon Pudding is fairly balanced in terms of its nutritional content. At around 371 calories per serving, it offers a satisfying sweet treat without being overly heavy. The dessert contains a moderate amount of fat and sugar, but the presence of egg whites provides some protein, and the milk adds a touch of calcium.

The dessert does include some sugar, but it’s important to note that the lemon juice and zest help to balance the sweetness, preventing it from being overly sugary. For those watching their sugar intake, the amount can be adjusted slightly without affecting the overall texture and flavor too much.

Conclusion: A Foolproof Dessert

Jamie Oliver’s Self-Saucing Lemon Pudding is a perfect dessert for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Its combination of a zesty sponge and rich, tangy sauce makes it a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. The clever baking technique creates a beautifully golden sponge on top with a magical lemon sauce underneath, providing a unique and delightful dessert experience.

Whether served for a special occasion or as a cozy weekend treat, this self-saucing pudding offers all the comfort of a traditional sponge pudding with a refreshing twist. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results, it’s a dessert everyone will enjoy.