Refreshing Lemon Pudding & Cream Cheese Cake 🍋

A light, creamy, and citrusy dessert that's perfect for warm spring and summer days. With its fluffy sponge base and silky lemon-cream cheese topping, this cake is the ultimate refreshing treat!

Ingredients

For the sponge base:

• 3 eggs
• 120 g sugar (about 3/5 cup)
• A pinch of salt
• 100 g flour (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Pan size: 18 × 28 cm
Baking: 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes

For the lemon pudding layer:

• 500 ml milk (2 cups)
• 2 eggs
• 1 large organic lemon (zest + juice)
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 60 g cornstarch (1/2 cup)
• 140 g sugar (3/4 cup)
• 1 sachet vanilla sugar (about 1 tablespoon)
• 60 ml lemon juice (1/4 cup)
• A splash of orange juice (or any citrus juice of your choice)
• 200 g cream cheese (about 4/5 cup)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sponge Base

Beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. Gently fold in the flour combined with the baking powder, keeping the batter airy. Pour into a lined baking pan and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Pudding

In a saucepan, gently heat the milk until warm (not boiling). In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of orange juice until smooth.

Gradually pour this mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the pudding thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Add the Cream Cheese

Allow the pudding to cool until just warm (not hot). Add the cream cheese and whisk thoroughly until you achieve a silky, lump-free cream.

4. Assemble the Cake

Spread the lemon-cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled sponge base. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the cream to set.

5. Serve

Cut into neat squares or rectangles. For an elegant finish, garnish with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar ❄️
• Freshly grated lemon zest 🍋
• A handful of fresh berries 🫐

💡 Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the sponge base with a little lemon syrup before adding the cream layer — it makes the cake even more moist and aromatic!

Enjoy this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert — light, tangy, and absolutely irresistible! ✨