Savory and Sweet: Irish Pudding Cake Recipe
Hark! Upon this joyous day of St. Patrick, I bring forth to thee a most splendid recipe for Individual Irish Pudding Cake! As a chef specializing in British cuisine, t’is an honor to share with thee one of the best pudding cakes in all of Ireland.
This recipe calls for a delightful blend of spices such as ground cloves, ginger and nutmeg, along with plain flour and hazelnut meal to create the perfect texture. The combination of apples, sultanas, dried cranberries, raisins, dried pitted prunes and pitted dates will provide a burst of fruity goodness with every bite. To top it off, this cake is soaked in Irish whiskey and infused with Irish cream, adding that extra layer of rich flavor.
With its rich history and mouthwatering ingredients, this dessert is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but it is also great for any occasion where you want that taste of traditional Irish cuisine. Trust me when I say that this individual Irish pudding cake will transport you straight to the charming villages of Ireland. So gather ’round, my friends, and let me show you how to make this delectable dessert fit for any feast or fête!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gather around, my dear friends, and let me tell you about a recipe that will make your taste buds sing with joy. This individual Irish pudding cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any other festive occasion. You will love this recipe because it has a perfect balance of brown sugar, spices like ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and bicarbonate of soda that give the cake a warm and comforting flavor.
Every bite of this pudding cake will make you feel like you’re biting into a little piece of Ireland. The apples, sultanas, cranberries, raisins, prunes, and dates present in this dessert will give you a mixture of chewiness and juiciness that complement each other cohesively.
But wait! That’s not all – this cake also includes Irish whiskey! It gives the desert an intoxicating aroma which contributes to the overall flavors wonderfully. Don’t worry if you are apprehensive of alcohol-containing food items because only two tablespoons of whiskey are added to the mixture so that the cake gives off a slightly boozy taste without making it overbearing or too strong.
So whether you are looking for an exciting dessert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just wanting to add a new flavor profile to your baking repertoire, this individual Irish pudding cake is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime! You’ll love its soft texture combined with its traditional Irish flavors that will leave you feeling fulfilled and satisfied after every single bite.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make Individual Irish Pudding Cake:
Dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups of all-purpose plain flour
- 1 cup of hazelnut meal
Wet Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- ½ cup sultanas
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raisins
- â…“ cup dried pitted prunes, chopped coarsely
- â…“ cup pitted dates, chopped coarsely
For the Irish Whiskey Cream Sauce:
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup Irish whiskey
Note: You can substitute some ingredients to fit your taste preference.
The Recipe How-To
Prepare the Apples
Step 1: Peel and dice the Apples
Start by peeling and dicing two apples into small cubes, roughly measuring half an inch. Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl and add in a cup of sultanas, dried cranberries, raisins, pitted prunes, and pitted dates.
Step 2: Add in Irish Whiskey
Take the diced apples mixture and pour in ¼ cup of Irish whiskey. Mix everything together until combined. Set aside to soak while preparing the batter.
Prepare the Batter
Step 3: Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups of plain flour, three teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, two teaspoons of ground cloves, two teaspoons of ground ginger, and one teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Add hazelnut meal
Add half a cup of hazelnut meal into the flour mixture. It gives extra richness and crunchiness compared to using regular flour only.
Step 5: Make brown sugar butter paste
In a separate bowl mix together one cup of unsalted butter with one cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in four beaten eggs until well combined.
Step 6: Combine wet ingredients to dry ingredients
Gradually add cake ingredients alternately with two cups of unsweetened applesauce into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 7: Mix soaked fruits into batter
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the soaked fruits mixture along with any residual liquid (from soaking) into the batter. Mix to combine without overmixing it which can make them tough.
Bake the Cakes
Step 8: Prepare cupcake tins
Preheat your oven for about ten minutes at 350F(180C). Grease eight-cupcake tins or individual pudding basins generously with softened butter. Sprinkle some flour into each cup, shaking/tapping lightly to remove the excess flour.
Step 9: Divide the batter
Using a spoon, evenly divide the batter into each cup, filling them roughly about â…” full. Tap gently on the counter to release any air pockets.
Step 10: Bake and check doneness
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes (depending on your oven settings) until the cakes are golden, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 11: Remove and cool
Take the baking dish out of the oven, place it onto a wire rack and let it cool for around ten minutes before removing them from their cups/basins.
Step 12: Serve!
Serve these individually Irish Pudding cakes slightly warm or drizzle with chocolate sauce or Irish cream sauce. They also pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Enjoy your festive and scrumptious
Substitutions and Variations
Thou mayest consider different substitutions and variations to modify this recipe into something unique and creative. One idea to replace the apples with pears, or the mixed dried fruit with figs or apricots for a change of flavor. To make an adult version of this dessert, thou mayest sprinkle some Irish whiskey over the individual Irish pudding cake or serve it with a scoop of Irish cream ice-cream. If thou prefer a chocolate twist, consider replacing some of the flour with cocoa powder and add some chocolate chips to the mixture before baking. Another alternative is to turn this Irish pudding cake into a poke cake by piercing it all over with a fork and pouring some whiskey caramel sauce on top.
To make this recipe more healthy, thou can switch plain flour for whole wheat flour and substitute brown sugar with honey or agave nectar. For guests who are gluten intolerant, replace the plain flour in this recipe with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour. If thou are looking for a low-fat option, use coconut oil instead of butter, which will add a nutty essence to the texture.
In conclusion, may these ideas inspire thee to experiment and create your unique spin on this traditional Irish pudding cake recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Verily, this sumptuous individual Irish pudding cake is a dessert that can be savoured at any time of the year. However, serving it in cooler months would provide such warmth and comfort to your belly.
When it comes to serving this delightful cake, I recommend accompanying it with a dollop of whipped cream. The cream’s lightness cuts through the richness of the cake, while a hint of vanilla perfectly complements the spices used in the recipe.
For those who desire an extra indulgent experience, pour some Irish cream chocolate sauce over the top of each serving. This mind-blowing pairing will give you an unparalleled taste sensation that lingers in your mouth long after each morsel has vanished.
If you are looking to serve this cake as part of a larger meal, try placing each cake atop a pool of whiskey-infused caramel sauce or custard. Trust me; there is nothing quite as satisfying as breaking into that moist sponge cake and dipping it into a luscious pool of decadent custard sauce.
In terms of pairing, I recommend pouring yourself a single-malt Irish whiskey or a hot cup of Irish coffee. The marriage between dense pudding cake and velvety Irish whiskey will leave you feeling warm inside and utterly satisfied. If you prefer not to serve alcohol, serving with black tea or freshly brewed coffee will also pair well.
There you have it folks – a true feast for your senses- rich pudding cake drenched in creamy custard and smothered with sweet chocolate sauce with a whiskey-laced tipple on your hand – everything screams pleasure in every bite. A true flourished feast for one and all!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Fret not if you can’t finish all the individual Irish pudding cakes in one go because you can store them for later. Wrap each cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Alternatively, you may wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, then freeze for up to two months.
When it’s time to have these sweet indulgences again, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F. Unwrap the cakes and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
One important note: Because these cakes are made with Irish whiskey and Irish cream, they should be consumed by adults only. These cakes are not recommended for children or pregnant women.
Tips for Perfect Results
Tips for Perfect Results:
1. The secret to a moist and fluffy Irish pudding cake is adding the right amount of bicarbonate of soda. Make sure to measure precisely and level off your spoons for perfect results.
2. For added depth of flavor, try substituting Irish cream for some of the butter in the recipe. This will give your cake a subtle hint of whiskey and cream that pairs perfectly with the dried fruit and spices.
3. To prevent sinking fruits, toss them in a tablespoon of plain flour before adding them to the batter. This will help the fruit stay suspended in the cake instead of sinking to the bottom.
4. Don’t overmix your batter when incorporating the dry ingredients, or you’ll end up with a tough and rubbery cake. Only mix until everything is just combined.
5. If you want a boozy kick, add a tablespoon or two of Irish whiskey to the batter for an authentically Irish twist.
6. Baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your individual pudding cakes. Check them regularly starting at 25 minutes and keep baking until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through in the middle.
7. Let the cakes cool for five minutes before removing from their molds to prevent them from falling apart or sticking to the mold.
8. Serve individual Irish pudding cakes warm with custard sauce or whipped cream, accompanied by a cup of hot tea or an Irish coffee for an extra special treat.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to make a perfect batch of Irish pudding cakes every time!
FAQ
Verily, I have heard some queries about the individual Irish pudding cake recipe that thou may have in thy thoughts. Henceforth, I shall endeavor to provide thee with answers to those Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) so that thou can create this delightful treat with ease and confidence.
How to make Irish coffee cake?
For this indulgent and hearty British recipe, you’ll need some basic but essential ingredients. You’ll need around 175ml of vegetable oil, as well as a bit extra to grease your tin. You’ll also need two beaten eggs and roughly the same amount of tangy buttermilk. To give this recipe a unique flavor, you’ll need to make around 170ml of strong coffee using two tablespoons of coffee granules, which should then be cooled down. You’ll then need 350g of plain flour, two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, one teaspoon of baking powder, and 125g of caster sugar. These are the building blocks of a delicious and traditional British recipe that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Why is it called pudding cake?
The use of the term ‘pudding’ in British cuisine has historical underpinnings related to social class distinctions. Rather than dessert, the word ‘pudding’ was typically used to describe humble and unpretentious desserts that were commonly enjoyed by those in lower class communities, including dishes like rice pudding and spotted dick.
What is pudding cake made of?
Pudding cakes are an elevated version of basic egg custards. They are made with a touch of flour and beaten egg whites, resulting in a fluffy, cake-like texture. As they bake, the whipped egg whites will rise to the surface and create a meringue top that is absolutely delicious!
Bottom Line
Fellow food lovers, I strongly recommend that you give this individual Irish pudding cake recipe a try. Its combination of traditional Irish flavors with the convenience of individual servings makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. Plus, its unique composition of ingredients including apples, sultanas, dried cranberries, raisins, dried pitted prunes, pitted dates, and Irish whiskey truly sets it apart from other sweet treats.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it can also be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. You can substitute ingredients to make the cake gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan while still enjoying the authentic Irish flavors in every bite.
I believe that anyone can become a master chef when armed with a great recipe and some determination. So I encourage you to try this delectable pudding cake recipe for yourself and see what you think. Whether enjoyed on St Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year, this cake is sure to impress and delight all who try it.
In closing, let us remember the wise words of William Butler Yeats: “Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” So why not enjoy one of the best joys in life by indulging in some delicious Irish pudding cake? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Individual Irish Pudding Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g pitted dates, coarsely chopped
- 200 g dried pitted prunes, coarsely chopped
- 225 g raisins, coarsely chopped
- 150 g dried cranberries
- 125 g sultanas
- 200 g grated apples (approx 2 med apples)
- 1 cup Irish whiskey (you can use brandy or rum)
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey, extra
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed firmly
- 185 g butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup hazelnut meal
- 1 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
- Combine fruits and whiskey in a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and stand at room temp overnight.
- Preheat oven to 120°C Line 6-8 ramekins with baking paper twice, making sure that the paper sticks 4cm above the sides. Tip:overlap the paper slightly and use sticky tape on the outer side to secure it.
- Combine extra whiskey and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a small saucepan. Stir over a medium-high heat until sugar dissolves; bring to the boil, cool syrup for 20 minutes.
- Beat butter and remaining sugar in a small bowl with electric mixer until just combined (don't over beat it) Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined between additions. Add butter mixture to the fruit that has stood overnight; stir in hazelnut meal, sifted dry ingredients and 1/2 cup of the cooled syrup.
- Divide into the prepared ramekins, spread the tops out smoothly. Bake for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours until the pudding pulls away from the edges a little and springs back when lightly touched in the center. Brush puddings with remaining reheated syrup cover each with fool and cool to room temp in the ramekins. Turn out the puddings and wrap them in calico to persevere them. Serve warm or cold; store in the fridge for up to a month.
- Enjoy!
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.