Fastest ever lemon pudding

Being short of time needn't stop you making your own pudding. This microwave-friendly sponge is ready in 10 minutes and can easily be a chocolate pud too

Prep:5 mins
Cook:4 mins
Plus 1 minute resting

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 457
fat 25g
saturates 14g
carbs 55g
sugars 34g
fibre 1g
protein 6g
salt 0.75g

Ingredients

100g caster sugar
100g softened butter
100g self-raising flour
2 eggs
zest 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla essence
4 tbsp lemon curd
crème fraîche or ice cream, to serve

Tip

Cheat's chocolate sponge
Beat 25g cocoa powder into the sponge mix instead of the lemon zest. If you have any chocolate in the cupboard, chop 25g chocolate roughly and stir through. Microwave as before. Meanwhile, put 4 tbsp readymade chocolate sauce into a bowl. Heat through, then pour over the pudding. Serve with ice cream or double cream.

Method

Mix the sugar, butter, flour, eggs, lemon zest and vanilla together until creamy, then spoon into a medium microwave-proof baking dish. Microwave on High for 3 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until risen and set all the way through. Leave to stand for 1 min.
Meanwhile, heat the lemon curd for 30 secs in the microwave and stir until smooth. Pour all over the top of the pudding and serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or scoops of ice cream.