Mary Berry’s Eve’s Pudding is a classic British dessert that combines the sweet and slightly tart flavors of stewed apples with a light, sponge-like cake on top. This comforting pudding is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want a dessert that’s simple, yet delicious. Best served warm with a dollop of cream or custard, it’s an ideal dessert for apple season.
Mary Berry’s Eve’s Pudding
Mary Berry’s Eve’s Pudding is her classic version of the traditional British dessert, made with tender, sweetened apples as the base and topped with a buttery, golden sponge. True to Mary Berry’s style, this recipe keeps things simple and fuss-free, yet delivers maximum comfort and flavor. The soft, stewed apples combine perfectly with the light, fluffy sponge, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s the perfect pudding for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British dessert: A timeless recipe that’s easy to make and full of nostalgic flavor.
- Perfect for apple season: It’s an excellent way to use fresh apples, especially during the autumn months.
- Comforting and warm: This dessert is ideal for cozy evenings when you need something sweet and comforting.
- Family-friendly: A dessert that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
For the Apple Base:
- Cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith): 450g, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Caster sugar: 50g
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
For the Sponge Topping:
- Self-raising flour: 100g
- Butter: 100g, softened
- Caster sugar: 100g
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Equipment
- Baking dish (about 1.2-liter capacity)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or electric whisk
- Spatula
- Sharp knife and peeler
- Saucepan
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
- Stew the apples: In a saucepan, place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the caster sugar and lemon juice. Cook gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. Transfer the stewed apples to the base of a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Topping
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or electric whisk.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Fold in the flour: Gradually fold in the self-raising flour, alternating with the milk until you achieve a smooth, soft batter.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pudding
- Spread the sponge batter: Carefully spoon the sponge mixture over the stewed apples, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit.
- Bake the pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the Eve’s Pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding?
- Custard: A classic pairing, custard adds a creamy texture to the warm pudding.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, it balances the richness of the sponge.
- Vanilla ice cream: A cool contrast to the warm dessert.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top for added crunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Eve’s Pudding
- Choose the right apples: Cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith work best as they soften well without becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcook the apples: Stew them just until tender to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Spread the batter evenly: Ensure the sponge mixture covers the apples fully for even baking.
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy batter.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
- Add spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the apples gives a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry twist: Mix in some berries, like blackberries or raspberries, with the apples for a fruity variation.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan version: Replace the butter with a plant-based spread and the eggs with a vegan egg substitute.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with cling film or in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pudding for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
- Oven reheating: Reheat the pudding in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave reheating: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
How Can I Make Eve’s Pudding Healthier?
- Reduce the sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the apples and sponge without compromising the flavor.
- Use whole-grain flour: Swap self-raising flour for whole-wheat self-raising flour to add more fiber.
- Substitute the butter: Use a lower-fat spread or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I make Eve’s Pudding in advance?
Yes, you can make Eve’s Pudding ahead of time. Simply prepare the apple base and sponge topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When ready to serve, bake as per the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What type of apples are best for Eve’s Pudding?
Cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith are ideal for Eve’s Pudding because they soften well and provide a slightly tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sponge.
Can I freeze Eve’s Pudding?
Yes, Eve’s Pudding freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
How do I stop the sponge on Eve’s Pudding from becoming soggy?
To prevent the sponge from becoming soggy, make sure the stewed apples are not too watery before adding the sponge topping. You can also let the apples cool slightly before topping with the batter to ensure a light and fluffy sponge.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Eve’s Pudding is a delightful, old-fashioned dessert that brings together the tartness of apples with a sweet, fluffy sponge topping. This comforting treat is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Eve’s Pudding is her classic version of the traditional British dessert, made with tender, sweetened apples as the base and topped with a buttery, golden sponge. True to Mary Berry’s style, this recipe keeps things simple and fuss-free, yet delivers maximum comfort and flavor. The soft, stewed apples combine perfectly with the light, fluffy sponge, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s the perfect pudding for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base:
- Cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith): 450g, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Caster sugar: 50g
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
For the Sponge Topping:
- Self-raising flour: 100g
- Butter: 100g, softened
- Caster sugar: 100g
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
- Stew the apples: In a saucepan, place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the caster sugar and lemon juice. Cook gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. Transfer the stewed apples to the base of a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Topping
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or electric whisk.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Fold in the flour: Gradually fold in the self-raising flour, alternating with the milk until you achieve a smooth, soft batter.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pudding
- Spread the sponge batter: Carefully spoon the sponge mixture over the stewed apples, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit.
- Bake the pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the Eve’s Pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
