Indulge in a Decadent English Chocolate Pudding Recipe
If you’re a fan of traditional English cuisine, then I have a treat for you. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can vouch for the popularity of steamed puddings in English households. And what could be better than a steamed chocolate pudding? This homemade English chocolate pudding recipe is perfect for those looking to indulge in some classic comfort food with a twist.
But don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just any ordinary chocolate pudding. This steamed chocolate pudding is made with unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate, giving it a rich and bold flavor that will leave your taste buds singing. It’s the ultimate dessert for any chocoholic.
And although this recipe may sound intimidating to beginners, I assure you that it’s easier than it looks. With my step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect chocolate steamed pudding in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this homemade English chocolate pudding recipe and start cooking up some delicious memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, decadent chocolate desserts, then hold tight because we’re about to introduce you to what might be the greatest chocolate pudding recipe of all time. This homemade English chocolate pudding is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed by generations of Brits, and for good reason. Trust me when I say that you won’t be able to resist this deliciously steamed pudding once you give it a try.
First and foremost, the ingredients in this recipe play a pivotal role in making this dessert a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate, sugar, milk, and eggs creates an ultra-smooth texture that is bursting with flavor. Additionally, the use of cornstarch helps to thicken the pudding just enough to make it perfectly set without sacrificing the creamy texture that we all know and love.
But what really sets this recipe apart from other chocolate puddings is its unique cooking method. Steaming the pudding creates a warm and cozy flavor profile that cannot be replicated by traditional baking methods. You’ll feel like you’re transported back in time to a cozy British pub enjoying some of its best treats in front of a roaring fireplace.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile despite its classic roots. You can add your own personal twist by incorporating various toppings such as whipped cream, fresh berries or even adding a cheeky splash of bourbon for an adults-only twist. Its versatility is perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for an indulging night in, or need to make an effortless but impressive dessert for your next dinner party.
Overall, there’s no denying that this English Chocolate Pudding Recipe is one-of-a-kind for so many reasons – its decadent flavor profile, perfect texture and steaming method – it will become one of your go-to winter comfort desserts. Whether you’re experiencing traditional British cuisine or just looking for a new culinary adventure to embark on, give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious homemade English Chocolate Pudding recipe:
For the Pudding:
- Self-raising Flour, sifted – 100g (4oz)
- Cocoa Powder, unsweetened – 2 tablespoons
- Caster Sugar – 75g (3oz)
- Baking Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Dark Chocolate, finely chopped – 175 grams (6.2 oz)
- Milk, whole – 200ml (7oz)
- Large Eggs – 2
- Butter, softened – 2 tablespoons
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- Granulated Sugar – 150g (5.3oz)
- Brown Sugar – 75g (2.6oz)
- Cocoa Powder, unsweetened – 3 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Boiling Water – 300ml (10.5oz)
I recommend prepping all of the ingredients first before you start on the recipe to make everything more efficient.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1:
First, grease a 2-pint capacity pudding basin with butter.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 175 grams of self-raising flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 3:
In another bowl, cream 175 grams of unsalted butter with 175 grams of caster sugar, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, fold in the flour mixture and mix to combine.
Step 4:
Lastly, add in 100 grams of grated dark chocolate and mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Place the batter evenly into the prepared pudding basin and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 5:
Cover the basin with a sheet of buttered aluminum foil and a sheet of pleated greaseproof paper (this will allow room for expansion). Tie securely with string around the top rim of the basin to secure.
Step 6:
Next, place a metal trivet or upturned saucer at the bottom of a deep saucepan. Place the pudding basin on top of it and fill with boiling water so it comes halfway up the sides of the pudding basin. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 7:
Let steam for 5 hours over low heat, making sure to check occasionally that there is enough water in the pan (topping up with boiling water as needed).
Step 8:
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes before carefully unmolding onto a serving dish by running a knife around the edge of the pudding basin first.
Serve hot topped with chopped nuts or drizzled with warmed cream.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I know how important it is to be able to tweak recipes based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can use with this chocolate pudding recipe:
– Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand, including almond, soy or oat milk. However, whole milk tends to produce the creamiest texture.
– Chocolate: While 100 grams (4 oz) of unsweetened dark chocolate is used in the traditional English recipe for steamed chocolate pudding, you can also experiment with different types of chocolate for a unique result.
– Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated white sugar or caster sugar, but if you prefer a deeper flavor, you can substitute some of it with brown sugar.
– Flour: If you don’t have self-raising flour on hand, you can make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons of baking powder into 150 grams (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) of plain flour.
– Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best results.
– Egg yolks: If you want to add extra richness and flavor, you may try using double the egg yolks suggested in the recipe.
– Served Warm or Cold: Although traditionally served hot as a steamed pudding dessert topped with a saucing chocolate cake after cooking, it is possible to serve this as an easy microwave dessert – simply cook single servings for about 5 minutes until desired consistency! Alternatively, try serving chilled as a dense yuletide bread pudding.
Remember that these are just suggestions – feel free to add your own twist and creativity to make it your own signature dish.
Serving and Pairing
After the chocolate pudding has been steamed to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Traditionally, a steamed chocolate pudding is served with a generous dollop of custard, but you can also try it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The smooth, velvety texture pairs well with something creamy and adds an indulgent layer to this already decadent dessert.
For a contrasting pairing, you can serve the homemade chocolate pudding recipe alongside a zesty fruit compote or fresh berries. The tanginess of the fruit helps cut through the richness of the chocolate and creates a refreshing balance for your taste buds.
If you want to elevate your pudding experience, try making a saucing chocolate cake or Christmas pudding cake by slicing some steamed chocolate pudding and layering it on top of a rich cake base.
No matter how you serve it, the homemade English chocolate pudding recipe is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. It’s a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations and will continue to be a staple on dinner tables for years to come.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This pudding is ideal for making ahead of time, which will save you a lot of stress on the day you plan to serve it. You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply allow the pudding to cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. The longer the pudding sits, the more developed its flavors will become.
To reheat the pudding, place it in a heatproof dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave it for 3-5 minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pudding by steaming it again in a clean bowl over boiling water until hot.
If you find yourself with leftover pudding, don’t worry – this dessert tastes just as delicious served cold as it does hot. Store any leftover pudding covered in cling film in your refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat or serve chilled as desired.
Note that if you choose to refrigerate the pudding before serving, be sure to allow it to come back to room temperature before reheating it so that it cooks evenly. Also, keep in mind that repeated heating and cooling may affect the texture of the pudding. So, try to reheat only what you intend to eat or you could end up with a less-than-perfect result.
In conclusion, this lovely homemade chocolate pudding is incredibly versatile and will make for an impressive dessert at any meal. Whether served warm or cold, freshly made or reheated from leftovers, your guests are sure to feel special after indulging in this traditional English delight.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results for your homemade English chocolate pudding, consider these helpful tips:
Firstly, when making the pudding mixture, ensure to constantly whisk or stir until it thickens. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the pudding, resulting in a smooth and silky texture.
Secondly, it is important to use good quality chocolate when making this recipe. I recommend using dark chocolate as it has a richer and more intense flavor that gives the pudding its signature taste.
Thirdly, do not skimp on the time required for steaming the pudding. It may take up to two hours to fully steam but this ensures that the pudding cooks evenly and attains a fluffy texture.
Fourthly, make sure you properly grease your pudding bowl before pouring in the mixture. This will help prevent any sticking or burning of the pudding during steaming.
Fifthly, if you prefer a thicker pudding texture, consider reducing the amount of milk used in the recipe or adding a little extra cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
Lastly, be creative with your serving and pairing of this indulgent dessert. You can serve it warm with custard or whipped cream, or chill it and enjoy it with fresh berries or vanilla ice cream.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that might come up when you try making this Homemade English Chocolate Pudding Recipe. From ingredient substitutes to cooking time and utensils, these will be useful tips to keep in mind as you embark on your pudding-making journey. So, let’s get started with the FAQs!
What is traditional English pudding made of?
This classic English dessert goes by three different names and is made by steaming a cake-like mixture of suet, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, eggs, brandy, lemon zest, candied citrus peel, and a blend of spices. It is traditionally studded with raisins, currants, and golden raisins.
What is British chocolate pudding?
Welcome, culinary enthusiasts! Today we’ll be exploring a beloved dessert in the British Isles and Australia. This treat is made by mixing flour, baking powder, sugar, whole eggs, vanilla, and cocoa powder or chocolate to form a batter. The batter is then either steamed or baked, resulting in a moist and decadent dessert. Its texture and flavor is reminiscent of Christmas pudding, but with a unique twist. Are you ready to learn how to make this delightful dessert? Let’s get started!
How to make instant royal pudding?
To make a delectable pudding, begin by adding the pudding mix to two cups of cold milk. Next, using either a wire whisk or an electric mixer set to low speed, beat the mixture for two minutes. Once fully combined, pour the mixture into desired dishes and refrigerate. After just five minutes, the soft-set pudding will be ready to indulge in.
What country does chocolate pudding come from?
Indulge in the lusciousness of a chocolate steamed pudding that pays tribute to the historical roots of a classic dessert that originated in 17th century England and made its way to colonial America.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this homemade English chocolate pudding recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its rich and creamy texture, combined with the perfect balance of cocoa and sugar, it is simply irresistible. And with the flexibility of substitutions and variations, you can make it your own by adding in your favorite flavors or making it gluten-free.
Don’t be intimidated by the steaming process; it’s surprisingly easy and adds to the traditional English pudding experience. Plus, the make-ahead and storing instructions make it perfect for entertaining or just satisfying your sweet tooth all week long.
So why not take a cue from renowned British chef Mary Berry and try out her classic chocolate steamed pudding recipe? You won’t regret indulging in this delectable treat that will transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of England.
Homemade English Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped finely (you can use anything from generic chocolate chips to a high quality chocolate, you get what you pay )
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- whipped cream, to garnish
- chocolate shavings, to garnish
Instructions
- Scald milk in a saucepan over medium low heat (bring it almost to a boil in a thick bottomed saucepan, stirring constantly). Remove from heat, immediately add chocolate and stir until it has melted.
- Whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. I would get these ready in the bowl before I prepare the milk.
- Add the warm chocolate milk mixture in a slow stream, whisking contents in the bowl constantly and then pour mixture back into pot.
- Cook gently over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon for 5 to 10 minutes or until mixture thickens.
- Divide pudding among six ramekins or small bowls, cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours and up to 2 days. Serve puddings topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
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.