Poverty Pudding

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Poverty Pudding is a nostalgic, comforting dessert with a warm vanilla flavor and a rich caramel sauce, perfect for budget-friendly family gatherings or cozy desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. flour
  • 2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 1/2 c. white sugar
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, white sugar, milk, and vanilla together and pour into a square Pyrex cake pan or round casserole dish.
  2. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 2 cups of hot water and pour over the batter in the pan.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
  4. Serve warm or cold. The dish makes its own sauce during baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the flour before mixing it with the other dry ingredients. You can substitute almond milk or any non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version. If you don't have cream of tartar, use an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar. This dish can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Serve it warm for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Poverty Pudding can be served as a comforting dessert on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. It also pairs beautifully with Lemon Bar Brownies (In Honor Of Stallion, "Blackjack Parlay") for a dessert spread. Enjoy it warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poverty Pudding contains roughly 479 calories, with 5g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

479 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 106.3g 39% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 74.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 102.8mg 4% DV
Potassium 322.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 57mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 4.6mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 129.5mg 10% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add the brown sugar and hot water mixture right before baking, as this will help form the sauce during the cooking process.

What can I do if I don't have brown sugar?

If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This mixture will replicate the flavor and moisture of brown sugar, making it a suitable alternative for this recipe.

Can I add fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture. Additionally, fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries or raisins can enhance the flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content they bring.

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).

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