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If you love desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, this Meyer Lemon Pudding is about to become your new favorite treat. Light, silky, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy—but is surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you're serving it after a cozy family dinner or bringing it out for a spring gathering, this pudding delivers sunshine in every bite.

What Are Meyer Lemons?

Meyer lemons are a sweeter, less acidic cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange. They have a thinner skin, a deep yellow-orange color, and a floral flavor that makes them perfect for desserts like this pudding.

If you’ve never baked with Meyer lemons before, this is the recipe to start with!

Why You’ll Love This Meyer Lemon Pudding

• 🍋 Smooth, creamy texture
• 🍋 Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
• 🍋 Simple ingredients you likely already have
• 🍋 Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights

What is the Difference in Regular Lemons and Meyer Lemons?

Meyer lemons have thin, golden yellow skin. As a result, they are sweeter in flavor. They are not as acidic either. They are great to use in lemon curd and my favorite Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars.

Here's What You Need to Make This Recipe

• lemon zest and juice ~ Meyer lemon juice and the zest of the lemon are the star of this dish! The zest gives it zing.

• egg yolks and cornstarch ~ egg yolks create a custard like base while the cornstarch thickens the pudding.

• heavy cream ~ it’s essential for this recipe, it will not curdle when mixed with lemon.

• milk ~ lightens the mixture.

• sugar ~ balances the tartness of the hefty half cup of lemon juice and allows that lemon flavor to shine through.

• salt ~ salt enhances flavors whether they’re sweet or savory.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Pudding

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 2: Add Milk

Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.

Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy.

Step 6: Add Flavor

Remove from heat and stir in the Meyer lemon juice, zest, butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 7: Chill

Pour into serving dishes and cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin). Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for the Best Lemon Pudding

• Use fresh Meyer lemon juice—it makes all the difference
• Don’t skip tempering the eggs to avoid curdling
• Stir constantly while cooking for a silky smooth texture
• Chill completely for the best flavor and consistency

Serving Ideas

This pudding is delicious on its own, but you can easily dress it up:

• Top with fresh whipped cream
• Add berries like raspberries or blueberries
• Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies on top
• Serve in pretty glass jars for entertaining

Can I Use Regular Lemons?

Yes! If you don’t have Meyer lemons, you can substitute regular lemons. Just keep in mind they are more tart, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar.

How to Store Meyer Lemon Pudding

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually gets even better after a day!

Be sure to check out these other delicious lemon recipes

• Lemon Poppyseed Blueberry Muffins
• Lemon Hummus
• 15 Minute Lemon Pasta
• Chinese Lemon Chicken

Tuesday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes

• Almond Buttercream Frosting from Devour Dinner
• Blood Orange Cheesecake Rolls from Daily Dish Recipes
• Blood Orange Spiced Cake from Cookaholic Wife
• Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Cookie Truffles from Eat Move Make
• Eggless Blood Orange Mini Bundts with Pink Glaze from Magical Ingredients
• Goldenberry Jam from Family Around the Table
• Key Lime Curd from Art of Natural Living
• Little Chick Easter Sugar Cookies from Sweet Beginnings
• Meyer Lemon Bundt Cake from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Meyer Limoncello from The Spiffy Cookie
• Strawberry White Chocolate Bark from Blogghetti

We share recipes from #SpringSweetsWeek on Pinterest! Make sure you follow the board to see all the delicious recipes shared this week.