Indulge in the Deliciousness of Summer Pudding Today
There’s something magical about the taste of summer berries. The sweet and tart mix of fresh raspberries and blackberries with a hint of fresh lemon rind is blissful. But imagine taking those flavors and turning them into an English Summer Pudding – a dessert made for filling summer days. This classic British pudding recipe brings together all the flavor profiles of summer fruits and delicious bread.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, let me assure you that this recipe is one you do not want to miss. It’s easy to make and perfect for a warm summer day. The bread soaked in berry juices gives it a distinct flavor that will remind you of the warm days spent outside with friends and family.
With this recipe, you’ll be able to transport yourself to England with each bite. So go ahead, grab some fresh blackberries, raspberries, and white bread mold, and make summer pudding your new favorite dessert. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a summery British dessert that’s both stunning and easy to make, you’ll love this English Summer Pudding recipe. This pudding is filled with an abundance of fresh summer berries, including juicy blackberries and tangy raspberries, which are infused with a hint of triple sec and sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.
Not only is this classic British berry summer pudding made with simple ingredients that are readily available at your local market, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the berries for your favorites or mix them up to create new flavor profiles. It’s as if you’re creating your own unique summer fruit pudding recipe!
Plus, this dessert is a refreshing and light option during the hot summer months when you don’t want to feel bogged down by a heavy meal. And let’s not forget about how beautiful and colorful it looks when served! It’s sure to impress your guests at any backyard BBQ or family gathering.
Trust me, you’ll love this traditional English summer pudding recipe as much as I do. It’s bursting with delicious flavors, it’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the Ingredients List that you’ll need to make this delicious English Summer Pudding. You will need fresh raspberries and blackberries, along with sugar and fresh lemon rind to make the berry mixture. Additionally, you will need triple sec to give the pudding a light citrusy taste. The recipe also requires white bread, ideally sliced, without crusts. Don’t worry if you don’t have white bread at home; any other bread can work as well. Lastly, you will need classic British mixed berries which include blueberries, strawberries or any other summer fruits available to add a fruity flavor to your pudding.
Here are all pudding ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh raspberries
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh blackberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon rind (from one lemon)
- 2 tbsp of triple sec liquor
- 10-12 slices of white bread
- Mixed summer berries for serving
Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before starting to make this delightful dessert. You don’t want to run out of something halfway through!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Berries
To make the English Summer Pudding, you’ll need an assortment of fresh summer berries such as raspberries and blackberries. Rinse the berries under cold water, drain them in a colander, and place them in a saucepan over low heat.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Add cup sugar, a few strips of fresh lemon rind, and a splash of triple sec or your favorite liquor to the berries. Allow that mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the berries have released their juices.
Step 3: Mixing it All Together
Cut off the crusts from several slices of white bread, then cut them into strips. Use the strips to line a pudding bowl or a mold, covering the bottom and sides completely, making sure there are no gaps.
Next, fill the bread mold with a combination of cooked berries and fresh ones, gently spooning the mixture into the mold layer by layer. When it’s full, top it with more white bread slices to seal it.
Step 4: Weigh It down
Place something heavy on top of the bread-covered mold. A small plate covered with foil will work well. This will compress everything together as it chills, creating a perfectly formed pudding.
Step 5: Chill It Out
Refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight. This will give time for all of those delightful flavors to meld together into a cohesive whole.
Step 6: Time to Serve!
To unmold, remove any covering from the pudding bowl and use a knife or spatula to loosen up any bread that may have stuck to the edges. Place your serving dish upside down on top of that mold and flip everything over quickly in one fluid motion.
Et voila! A pudding made with fresh summer berries that is a real showstopper. The dessert made will wow your guests with flavor and visual appeal.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this English Summer Pudding Recipe is that it is versatile and can be easily adapted to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Mixed Summer Fruits: This recipe calls for raspberries and blackberries, but you can mix it up with other summer fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or currants. Experiment with different combinations until you find your ideal combination.
2. Alcohol Substitutions: The recipe calls for triple sec, but you can use other citrus liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. You can also use sherry or vermouth as an alternative.
3. Bread Substitutions: Traditional English Summer Pudding is made using white bread, but you can experiment with different types of bread such as brioche or sourdough for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
4. Sugar Substitutions: If you prefer your desserts less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use honey instead of granulated sugar.
5. Jamie Oliver’s Twist: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver adds a layer of sweet raspberry jam between layers of bread to give his summer berry pudding an extra boost of flavor. Another celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott, suggests soaking the fruits in elderflower cordial for added sweetness.
By experimenting with different substitutions and variations, you can make this English Summer Pudding recipe truly your own!
Serving and Pairing
The English Summer Pudding is a classic British dessert that is perfect for summer days when fresh summer berries are at their peak. Once the pudding is set and chilled, it is time to serve it up and enjoy its fruity goodness!
This dessert can be served with a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a rich and decadent touch to the bright flavors of the fresh berries. You can also garnish it with some extra berries or mint leaves for an extra pop of color.
English Summer Pudding pairs perfectly with a good cup of tea or coffee, as well as crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The tartness of the berries contrasts nicely with the sweetness of wine, making for a well-balanced treat.
As for portion size, one pudding bowl serves about 4 people. However, if you wish to serve smaller portions, you can slice the pudding into small wedges and offer them on individual plates.
Overall, this dessert is perfect for those who want to enjoy a filling summer treat that’s a little different from the classic berry pies or cobblers. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional British puddings, offering a refreshing way to indulge in summer fruits. So serve it up at your next garden party and prepare to receive compliments from your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making desserts in advance is a smart move for those who want to save time without compromising on quality. The English Summer Pudding recipe is no exception, and it is actually one of those desserts that gets better when made ahead.
After the pudding cools down for about half an hour at room temperature, you can cover it firmly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. Making it a day early will help the flavors meld together and the bread to absorb all the juices from the berries.
When serving, remove the plastic wrap or foil and run a knife around the edge of the pudding. Take a dinner plate and place it over the top of your pudding bowl, then invert them both so that the pudding falls onto the plate. If you notice any juice remaining in the bowl or mold, pour it over your dessert.
To store leftover English Summer Pudding, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, be aware that reheating doesn’t do this dessert any favors; it’s best served cold.
In summary, making this refreshing summer berry pudding ahead is not only allowed but recommended. It saves precious time on hot summer days when you want to serve a delicious dessert without breaking a sweat. Don’t hesitate to make a double batch, as leftovers can be conveniently stored in individual portions for easy snacking or lunchbox treats throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to make a classic English summer pudding that is both delicious and visually stunning, here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Always use fresh summer berries
The key ingredient in an English summer pudding is, of course, the summer fruit. To ensure that the flavors are as vibrant as possible, always opt for fresh raspberries and blackberries. The fresher the fruit, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding will be.
2. Let the bread soak properly
The bread that lines your pudding mold or bowl needs to be soaked in the berry juice mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the fruit and sweetened juice, which is what makes each bite of the pudding truly delicious.
3. Add a touch of triple sec
To give your English summer pudding a little extra something special, consider adding a splash of triple sec to your berry juice mixture. Triple sec is a sweet and citrusy liqueur that helps bring out the natural flavors in your fruit while also adding a hint of complexity.
4. Be sure to press down firmly
When layering your bread slices and berry mixture in the mold or bowl, be sure to press down firmly with a spatula or spoon. This will help ensure that each slice of bread is fully soaked in the berry juices and won’t fall apart when unmolded later on.
5. Use fresh lemon rind
Fresh lemon rind provides a zesty brightness to your berry mixture that perfectly balances out its sweetness. Be sure to use fresh lemon rind for best results – dried or pre-packaged lemon peel just won’t give you that same bright pop of flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delectable English summer pudding that will impress all your guests at your next dinner party or potluck.
FAQ
Before you start making the English Summer Pudding recipe, you might have some questions about the recipe ingredients or the cooking process. In this section, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions that will help you in case you face any challenges while cooking the dish. So, make sure to read these questions and answers before you start.
What filling does summer pudding contain?
If you haven’t yet tasted the delightfully fresh and fruity summer pudding, you’re in for a treat. This seasonal favorite involves layering slices of bread along the inside of a pudding basin and packing it full of delicious summer berries, which are usually softened with a sprinkle of sugar.
What is traditional English pudding made of?
This classic English dessert is known by three different names and consists of a steamed cake-like mixture of suet, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, sugar, brandy, spices, lemon zest, candied citrus peel, and a blend of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and golden raisins.
What is a pudding in the UK?
When it comes to the word “pudding,” it’s important to know that there are two distinct definitions depending on if you’re in America or Britain. In America, a pudding typically refers to a sweet dish that resembles custard. However, in Britain, a pudding can be sweet or savory and is prepared by boiling or steaming it in a dish, cloth, or even animal intestine. This traditional method of cooking adds a unique flavor and texture to British puddings that sets them apart from other desserts.
What are the 3 types of pudding?
Puddings can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, steaming, or chilling in the refrigerator until it sets. Certain recipes allow for flexibility in the preparation method or a combination of techniques.
Bottom Line
If you want to experience the classic taste of traditional English summer pudding, then this recipe is a must-try. Its combination of fresh raspberries and blackberries, mixed with sugar and triple sec, makes it an ideal dessert for any summer occasion. And with some simple substitutions and variations, you can personalize this dish to suit your taste buds.
Whether you are a fan of pudding recipes or just looking to try something new, this summer berry pudding is the perfect dessert. It’s easy to make and store, so you can enjoy it all summer long. Serve it alone, or pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Overall, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic British dessert. With its fresh summer fruits, soft bread mold, and satisfying sweetness, it’s no wonder that people like Jamie Oliver and Ainsley Harriott continue to rave about it. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to make your own English Summer Pudding and savor the taste of summer!
English Summer Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 coarsely chopped peeled ripe fresh peaches (about 1 3/4 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 3 tablespoons other orange-flavored liqueur or 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
- 1 angel food cake (10 inch round)
- fresh raspberries or blackberry (optional)
Instructions
- Combine first seven ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Set aside.
- Cut cake into 1 inch thick slices; cut each slice in half diagonally to make 2 triangles.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 3 quart straight sided glass bowl or trifle bowl with half of the cake pieces; spoon half of the peach mixture into cake-lined bowl.
- Arrange half of remaining cake pieces over the peach mixture, and spoon remaining peach mixture over cake.
- Top with remaining cake pieces.
- Place plastic wrap on surface of cake pieces, and place a small plate on top of plastic wrap; place a one pound can on plate to press mixture.
- Chill for 8 hours.
- Remove plate and plastic wrap.
- Garnish with additional fresh berries, if desired.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.