What’s inside: a creamy, rich and luxurious Old-Fashioned Lemon Pudding Recipe made with cream cheese, for a sweet and tangy treat perfect for hot summer days.

Classic Lemon Pudding Recipe

I’m on a real homemade pudding kick these days and I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with different methods for making this nostalgic classic.

Today’s lemon pudding recipe is a classic cooked pudding but with a twist!

We added cream cheese to the recipe, which is an underrated trick that I don’t see used very often. There are so many benefits to adding cream cheese to pudding recipes:

• Cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess and richness to the pudding, making it velvety smooth and indulgent.
• Cream cheese helps stabilize the pudding, preventing it from becoming too thin or watery. It gives the pudding a firmer texture, which is especially beneficial for serving in individual dishes or using as a filling for desserts.
• Cream cheese contributes a subtle tangy flavor that complements the brightness of the lemon. It adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the pudding.

While it’s a bit more work to whip up a homemade lemon pudding than to break out a boxed mix, it is undeniably worth the bit of extra effort. It’s like comparing a cookie from boxed cookie mix to a gourmet bakery cookie – they’re both good, but one is definitely more special and indulgent.

— Jennifer

Homemade Lemon Pudding Ingredients

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• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for ingredient measurements and full recipe instructions.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Medium Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Microplane or Zester
• Citrus Juicer
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula

How to Make Lemon Pudding

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the water until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the sugar mixture into the egg yolks to temper them. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining sugar mixture, whisking constantly.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the mixture boils, continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot lemon mixture into the cream cheese until smooth and well combined.

Pour the cream cheese mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture, whisking until smooth.

Transfer the lemon pudding into individual serving dishes or one large serving bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Optionally, garnish the with lemon slices and cookies.

Serve and enjoy.

Lemon Pudding Recipe FAQ

Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed? While fresh lemon juice is preferred for optimal flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice if needed. Just make sure it is 100% pure lemon juice without any added sugars or flavors.

How long does the lemon pudding last in the refrigerator? The lemon pudding will last for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the lemon pudding? We don’t advise this due to the dairy in this recipe. Freezing will alter the texture of the pudding.

Can I use a different fruit flavor instead of lemon? Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange, or even try flavors like passionfruit or mango for a unique twist on the pudding.

Grab your free printable recipe card for our homemade lemon pudding recipe:

Pin this Homemade Lemon Pudding for an indulgent lemon dessert the next time you have a sweet craving:

You might also like our Magical Color-Changing Lemonade or our Sugar-free Lemon Muffins.