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.