Steamed Sponge Pudding
A moist, flavorful steamed sponge pudding with warm spices and dried fruit, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying dessert lovers seeking comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
- Add all but the 2 tablespoons of dry ingredients alternately with milk; mix gently.
- Mix the remaining ingredients with the dried fruit and fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 1 1/2-quart mold.
- Cover with a lid or foil.
- Set the mold on a rack in a pan of boiling water, with water extended two-thirds of the way up.
- Steam for 1 1/2 hours, replenishing water as needed.
- Unmold and serve warm with hard sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sponge, ensure the butter and sugars are well-creamed until fluffy. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons and adding cornstarch. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance flavor. Consider replacing raisins with chopped dried apricots or figs for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with hard sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast. This pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or a fresh fruit compote.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, steam the pudding again for about 20 minutes or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it stays moist. You can also serve it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steamed Sponge Pudding contains roughly 649 calories, with 3g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1182mg per serving (51% 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 a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture, so choose a creamy alternative for the best results.
How do I know when the pudding is done steaming?
The pudding is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it's still wet, continue steaming for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this pudding in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day ahead and refrigerate it in the mold. When ready to serve, simply steam it as directed. This makes it a perfect dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
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).