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.