Delia Smith’s Eve’s Pudding is a classic British dessert that combines a layer of stewed apples topped with a light, fluffy sponge cake. Named after Eve in reference to the apple in the Garden of Eden, this comforting pudding is simple to make and delivers warm, cozy flavors. Served with custard, cream, or ice cream, it’s perfect for any family gathering or a cozy evening at home.
What is Delia Smith’s Eve’s Pudding?
Delia Smith’s Eve’s Pudding is a classic British dessert that beautifully combines the tartness of stewed apples with the light sweetness of a golden, fluffy sponge cake. This comforting dish, named after the biblical Eve, celebrates the natural flavor of apples, particularly seasonal varieties like Bramley. The contrast between the soft, tangy apple base and the sweet, airy sponge topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding
For the Apple Base:
- 700g cooking apples (such as Bramley, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
For the Sponge Topping:
- 100g unsalted butter (softened)
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 1.5 liters capacity).
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Base
Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into a saucepan. Add the caster sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and start to break down about 10 minutes. Once softened, transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Sponge Topping
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl, then gently fold the flour into the batter until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Pudding
Spoon the sponge batter over the stewed apples, spreading it out evenly to cover the apple layer completely. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge topping is golden brown and firm to the touch. A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting dessert.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding
- Use tart apples: Cooking apples like Bramley are best for this pudding as they soften nicely and provide a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the sponge.
- Don’t overmix the batter: When folding the flour into the sponge mixture, do it gently to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Serve warm: Eve’s Pudding is best served warm, as it allows the flavors of the apple and sponge to meld beautifully with a scoop of ice cream or custard.
How Do I Store and Reheat Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding?
- Store any leftover Eve’s Pudding in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pudding in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture of the sponge may soften slightly.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 32g
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in Delia Smith’s Eve’s Pudding?
Yes, you can substitute or add fruits like pears, berries, or rhubarb for a twist on the traditional Eve’s Pudding. Just ensure the fruit is stewed or softened before adding the sponge topping to maintain the balance of textures.
How do I stop the sponge topping from sinking into the apples?
To prevent the sponge topping from sinking, make sure the apples are not too watery. Stew the apples until soft but not overly juicy, and ensure they cool slightly before adding the sponge batter on top.
Can I make Eve’s Pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Eve’s Pudding ahead of time. Bake the pudding and allow it to cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What’s the best way to serve Eve’s Pudding?
Eve’s Pudding is best served warm with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm sponge and tart apples pair perfectly with the cool, creamy accompaniment.
Final Words
This Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding Recipe is a comforting, homey dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tart apples and a sweet sponge is a timeless treat, perfect for any season. Enjoy it with your favorite accompaniment and share it with family or friends!
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Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Eve’s Pudding is a classic British dessert that beautifully combines the tartness of stewed apples with the light sweetness of a golden, fluffy sponge cake. This comforting dish, named after the biblical Eve, celebrates the natural flavor of apples, particularly seasonal varieties like Bramley. The contrast between the soft, tangy apple base and the sweet, airy sponge topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and texture
Ingredients
For the Apple Base:
- 700g cooking apples (such as Bramley, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
For the Sponge Topping:
- 100g unsalted butter (softened)
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 1.5 liters capacity).
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Base
Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into a saucepan. Add the caster sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and start to break down, about 10 minutes. Once softened, transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Sponge Topping
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl, then gently fold the flour into the batter until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Pudding
Spoon the sponge batter over the stewed apples, spreading it out evenly to cover the apple layer completely. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge topping is golden brown and firm to the touch. A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting dessert.
