Hairy Bikers’ Eve’s Pudding is a traditional British dessert that combines the comfort of soft, stewed apples with a light and fluffy sponge cake topping. This classic recipe is named after Eve from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, reflecting its key ingredient—apples. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a warm, homey dessert, this pudding is easy to make and delivers a delightful contrast of textures.
What is Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding?
Hairy Bikers’ Eve’s Pudding is a traditional dessert where a layer of stewed apples is topped with a simple sponge batter and then baked to perfection. The apples become tender and juicy, while the sponge cake bakes into a golden, light layer on top. It’s an old-fashioned, comforting dessert that is easy to make and enjoyed by all generations.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple and comforting: This pudding uses everyday ingredients to create a heartwarming dessert.
- Perfect balance: The sweet apples and light sponge topping create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Family favorite: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Great for beginners: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Classic British dessert: It’s a traditional recipe that brings a taste of British history to your table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
For the Apple Layer:
- Apples (4 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced): The main fruit for the base.
- Caster sugar (75g): Sweetens the apples as they stew.
- Butter (25g): Add richness to the apples while they cook.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Helps soften the apples as they stew.
For the Sponge Topping:
- Self-raising flour (100g): Creates a light and fluffy sponge.
- Caster sugar (100g): Sweetens the sponge layer.
- Butter (100g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the sponge.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the sponge together and add lightness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds flavor to the sponge.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Prepare the apples
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples, caster sugar, and water. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly but still hold their shape.
- Once done, transfer the apples to the base of an ovenproof dish, spreading them evenly.
Step 3: Make the sponge topping
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour, mixing just until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the pudding
- Spoon the sponge batter evenly over the apple layer, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the apples completely.
- Don’t worry if the batter is a little thick—just make sure it covers the apples evenly.
Step 5: Bake the pudding
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The apples should be soft and the sponge should be light and airy.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Eve’s Pudding warm, ideally with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- The pudding is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with the sponge crisp on top and the apples tender underneath.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
- Vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding.
- Custard: A classic pairing, custard adds creaminess and sweetness.
- Whipped cream: Light and fluffy, it balances the tartness of the apples.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle a little caramel over the pudding for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
- Use cooking apples: Cooking apples, like Bramley apples, work best as they break down into a soft, flavorful base.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the sponge batter can make it dense. Fold the flour in gently for a light, fluffy texture.
- Serve fresh: Eve’s Pudding is best served straight from the oven while the sponge is still crisp.
- Add spices: For a twist, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples while they stew for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
- Pear and ginger pudding: Replace the apples with pears and add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the sponge batter for a spicy kick.
- Mixed berry pudding: Use a mix of berries instead of apples for a more summery version of the dessert.
- Apple and cinnamon pudding: Add ground cinnamon to the apples for a warm, spiced twist on the classic.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour to make the pudding suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for Eve’s Pudding?
Yes, you can use any type of apples, but cooking apples like Bramley apples work best because they break down into a soft, flavorful base when cooked.
How do I stop the sponge from sinking into the apples?
To prevent the sponge from sinking, make sure the apples are evenly spread and slightly cooled before adding the sponge batter on top.
Can I prepare Eve’s Pudding in advance?
You can prepare the apple layer in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to bake the pudding fresh to keep the sponge light and airy.
Can Eve’s Pudding be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Eve’s Pudding after it’s fully baked. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven before serving.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Eve’s Pudding is a timeless dessert that offers comfort and warmth with every bite. The contrast of sweet, tart apples and light, fluffy sponge makes this dish a family favorite, perfect for after dinner or as a weekend treat.
Serve it with custard or ice cream and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this British classic!
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Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Eve’s Pudding is a traditional dessert where a layer of stewed apples is topped with a simple sponge batter, and then baked to perfection. The apples become tender and juicy, while the sponge cake bakes into a golden, light layer on top. It’s an old-fashioned, comforting dessert that is easy to make and enjoyed by all generations.
Ingredients
For the Apple Layer:
- Apples (4 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced): The main fruit for the base.
- Caster sugar (75g): Sweetens the apples as they stew.
- Butter (25g): Adds richness to the apples while they cook.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Helps soften the apples as they stew.
For the Sponge Topping:
- Self-raising flour (100g): Creates a light and fluffy sponge.
- Caster sugar (100g): Sweetens the sponge layer.
- Butter (100g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the sponge.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the sponge together and add lightness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds flavor to the sponge.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Prepare the apples
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples, caster sugar, and water. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly but still hold their shape.
- Once done, transfer the apples to the base of an ovenproof dish, spreading them evenly.
Step 3: Make the sponge topping
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour, mixing just until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the pudding
- Spoon the sponge batter evenly over the apple layer, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the apples completely.
- Don’t worry if the batter is a little thick—just make sure it covers the apples evenly.
Step 5: Bake the pudding
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The apples should be soft and the sponge should be light and airy.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Eve’s Pudding warm, ideally with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- The pudding is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with the sponge crisp on top and the apples tender underneath.
