This lemon pudding sheet cake combines yellow cake mix with instant lemon pudding and lemon zest. A powdered sugar glaze goes over the still-warm cake and sets as it cools.
Recipe Details
- Pan: 9×13 inches
- Oven: 350°F (175°C)
- Bake: 30–35 minutes, plus cooling
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (box weight not specified)
- 1 box instant lemon pudding (box weight not specified)
- ⅔ cup oil
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Lemon Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup lemon juice, added gradually
- A pinch of lemon zest
How to Make Lemon Pudding Sheet Cake
Prepare the cake batter
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix the cake mix, dry instant pudding, oil, eggs, water, vanilla and lemon zest just until combined.
Bake until set
Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake center comes out clean. Place the pan on a rack to cool slightly.
Mix the glaze
Combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, cream, lemon zest and half the lemon juice. Add more juice gradually until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency; you may not need every drop.
Glaze while warm
Pour the glaze evenly over the still-warm cake. Let it set slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Use instant lemon pudding and add it dry.
- Use the listed liquids for this recipe rather than also adding a second set from the cake-mix package.
- Mix sizes vary; the original does not specify box weights, so verify your products before assuming exact equivalence.
- Add glaze juice gradually so it does not become too thin.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cover and refrigerate leftovers once cool. Bring individual slices toward room temperature before serving if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I make the pudding first?
No. Add the dry instant pudding mix to the cake batter.
When should I pour on the glaze?
After the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm.