Apple Cottage Pudding
Apple Cottage Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender green apples beneath a light, spongy batter. Flavored with lemon, vanilla, and spices, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter (room temperature) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 green cooking apples ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter, vanilla extract, grated lemon rind, and 1/2 cup sugar until well blended.
- Add an egg and beat until fluffy.
- Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Pare, core, and quarter the apples.
- Arrange the apples in the bottom of an 8-inch quiche pan, shallow casserole, or pie pan.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar with cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Sprinkle half of the spiced sugar mixture over the apples in the pan.
- Pour the batter over the apples.
- Sprinkle with the remaining spiced sugar mixture.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Serve hot with lightly whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
- Optionally, sifted confectioners' sugar can be sprinkled over the top.
- This pudding is also good as coffee cake the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp instead of tart green apples. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense texture. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Apple Cottage Pudding warm, topped with lightly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Onion Topped Green Beans for a complete meal. This pudding also makes a delightful breakfast treat when served cold or at room temperature the next day, showcasing its versatility.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or place the whole pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve with freshly whipped cream for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Cottage Pudding contains roughly 270 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Adjust the spices according to the sweetness of the fruit used to maintain a balanced flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
While the batter is best when fresh, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s recommended to mix in the apples just before baking for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).