Upside-Down Date Pudding
A luscious upside-down date pudding with caramelized dates and walnuts, perfect for cozy desserts and gatherings, offering rich flavors and delightful texture contrasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the dates and boiling water in a bowl and let sit until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and the egg. Mix well.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the softened dates and their water evenly over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. If you don't have walnuts, chopped pecans or almonds can serve as an excellent substitute. To enhance the date flavor, try using Medjool dates, which are softer and sweeter. Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to ensure a tender pudding.
Serving Suggestions
This pudding is delicious when served warm, complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an added touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts. It pairs beautifully with Honey Butter Carrots for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds, or warm it in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upside-Down Date Pudding contains roughly 545 calories, with 4g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1616mg per serving (70% 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 make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and pour it into the baking dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of dates?
If you don't have dates, dried figs or raisins can be used as alternatives, although the flavor profile will change slightly. For a fresher option, you can also use chopped prunes, which will offer a similar sweetness and texture.
Can I freeze the upside-down date pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the pudding after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).