Devonshire Pudding
A delightful steamed pudding originating from Devon, this dish features a light, fluffy sponge cake infused with the subtle sweetness of apple and the warming spice of cinnamon. Often served with custard or cream, it's a comforting and traditional dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 225 g Butter, softened
- 225 g Caster sugar
- 4 large Eggs, beaten
- 225 g Self-raising flour, sifted
- 2-3 tbsp Milk
- 2 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Demerara sugar, for topping
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Grease and line a 1.5-litre pudding basin with baking parchment.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the basin is well-greased prevents the pudding from sticking. - 2
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
💡 Tip: Using an electric mixer can make this step easier and more effective. - 3
Gradually beat in the eggs, a little at a time, adding a tablespoon of the flour with each addition to prevent the mixture from curdling.
💡 Tip: Adding flour with the eggs helps to stabilize the emulsion. - 4
Fold in the remaining sifted self-raising flour. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and fold gently until you have a soft, dropping consistency. Add the remaining milk if needed.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as this can make the pudding tough. - 5
Stir in the finely chopped apples and ground cinnamon.
💡 Tip: Ensure the apples are chopped small enough to distribute evenly throughout the batter. - 6
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin and level the surface.
💡 Tip: Do not overfill the basin; the pudding will rise during steaming. - 7
Cover the basin with a double layer of baking parchment and tie securely with kitchen string. Create a pleat in the parchment to allow for expansion.
💡 Tip: A tight seal is crucial to prevent water from entering the pudding basin. - 8
Place the pudding basin in a large saucepan or steamer. Add enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the saucepan tightly and steam for 1 hour and 15 minutes, topping up the water as needed.
💡 Tip: Maintain a steady simmer throughout the steaming process. - 9
Carefully remove the pudding basin from the steamer. Remove the parchment paper and invert the pudding onto a serving plate. Sprinkle the top with Demerara sugar.
💡 Tip: Allow the pudding to stand for a few minutes before inverting to help it release cleanly. - 10
Serve warm with custard, cream, or ice cream.
💡 Tip: The Demerara sugar topping adds a slight crunch and caramelised sweetness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra flavour boost, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- ✓If you don't have self-raising flour, use plain flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- ✓Ensure the water level in the steamer is maintained; if it runs dry, the pudding may sink.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of sultanas or raisins to the batter along with the apples.
- Substitute pears for apples for a different fruity flavour.
- For a richer pudding, add a tablespoon of golden syrup to the batter.