Recipe: Eve's Pudding - A Delightful and Surprisingly Simple Dessert

Eve's Pudding, a classic British dessert, is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a rich, comforting taste. This recipe focuses on creating a delicious pudding that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special gathering. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring you achieve pudding perfection.

Ingredients for a Rich and Creamy Eve's Pudding

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.

• 175g (6 oz) self-raising flour: Using self-raising flour simplifies the process, eliminating the need for separate raising agents.
• 175g (6 oz) caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, providing a smooth texture and even sweetness.
• 50g (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter ensures easy mixing and a lighter texture.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the pudding.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 225ml (8 fl oz) milk: Milk adds moisture and contributes to the pudding's creamy texture.
• Optional: 1 tbsp cocoa powder: For a chocolate variation, add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Eve's Pudding

Follow these simple steps for consistently delicious results:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 1.5-litre (2.5-pint) pudding basin or a similar-sized ovenproof dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and sugar. If using cocoa powder, add it now.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and cream together using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.

6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pudding basin. Place the basin in a larger roasting tin and pour enough boiling water into the tin to come halfway up the sides of the basin. This creates a bain-marie, ensuring even cooking and preventing the pudding from drying out.

7. Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and Serving: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly in the basin before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm or cold with your favorite accompaniments.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Eve's Pudding Experience

Eve's Pudding pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• Custard: Classic vanilla custard is a timeless pairing, enhancing the richness of the pudding.
• Cream: Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense pudding.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or even a complementary flavor like strawberry ice cream provides a refreshing twist.
• Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote, such as berry or apple, offers a delightful fruity contrast.

Tips for Eve's Pudding Success

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough pudding. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a bain-marie: The bain-marie ensures even cooking and prevents cracking.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to check if the pudding is cooked through.
• Let it cool slightly before inverting: This prevents the pudding from breaking apart.

This detailed guide ensures you'll create a memorable and delicious Eve's Pudding. Enjoy! Remember to share your baking triumphs and any variations you try on social media using #EvesPudding.