Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert that never fails to impress, embodying a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This charming dish has a custard-soaked breadcrumb base that forms the foundation, topped with a vibrant layer of tangy raspberry jam and finished with a light, fluffy meringue that is irresistibly golden. If you’re looking to recreate a dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegantly simple, this is it. Not only does the Queen of Puddings deliver on taste, but its inviting appearance is sure to capture the hearts of family and friends alike.
This treat encapsulates the essence of traditional British comfort food, inviting you to savor each bite and indulge in its homely flavors. The richness of the custard paired with the tartness of the raspberry jam brings a delightful contrast that dances on your palate. And let’s not forget the airy meringue that crowns this masterpiece, adding a sweet crunch that is simply divine. With its seamless blend of ingredients, the Queen of Puddings is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of classic British baking. Perfect for gatherings or simply as a sweet end to a cozy dinner, this recipe is one that is both rewarding and enjoyable to make.
Why You’ll Love This Queen of Puddings
- Classic and Elegant: This dessert hails from an era of regal dining, making it perfect for special occasions.
- Rich Flavors: The custard base combines beautifully with tangy raspberry jam and a fluffy meringue topping.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone to try.
- Visual Appeal: Its presentation makes it a showstopper for any dessert table.
- Comforting Texture: The contrast between creamy, fruity, and fluffy ensures a delightful eating experience.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making Queen of Puddings, setting up your kitchen properly will smooth the process. Start by gathering all your ingredients: whole milk, fresh breadcrumbs, caster sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, raspberry jam, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. You will need a medium saucepan for warming the milk, a whisk to create the custard, a whisking bowl for the meringue, and a baking dish that comfortably accommodates your mixture. A rubber spatula will also come in handy for spreading the jam and meringue smoothly.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) while you prep. Grease your baking dish with butter before you begin combining ingredients; this will prevent sticking and make serving easier. Lastly, be sure to have your egg whites at room temperature before whipping them for the meringue. This promotes better volume and texture. Now, let’s gather our ingredients and prep to create a pudding fit for royalty!
Ingredients
- 600ml whole milk – Forms the rich custard base.
- 150g fresh white breadcrumbs – Soaks up the milk and gives texture.
- 100g caster sugar (split between custard and meringue layers).
- 25g unsalted butter – Adds richness to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings gentle, aromatic sweetness.
- 3 eggs, separated – Yolks enrich the custard, whites form the meringue.
- 100g raspberry jam – Bright, tart, and perfect against the creamy base.
- Zest from 1 lemon – Adds zing to the custard.
- A pinch of salt – Enhances all flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). As the temperature rises, take a moment to prepare your baking dish. Generously butter the insides to ensure that the Classic Queen of Puddings can be easily removed once baked. Setting the stage for your pudding is critical for making it shine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the whole milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Stir in the fresh white breadcrumbs, unsalted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and half of the caster sugar. Allow this mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time enables the breadcrumbs to soak in the flavors and absorb the milk, creating a delightful custard base. After that, whisk in the egg yolks quickly – this enriches the mixture, adding a lovely creaminess and enhancing the flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Pour the breadcrumb custard mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. You want to keep an eye on it; the pudding should be set yet retain a slight wobble in the center indicating that it remains moist and custardy.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. The next step is critical: gently spread the raspberry jam over the hot custard base. The heat will help the jam to melt slightly, blending beautifully with the custard underneath. Give it a chance to cool for a short time while you prepare the next component—the meringue.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture of the meringue. Gradually, add the remaining sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture reaches a glossy, stiff peak state. Spoon or pipe this luscious meringue carefully over the raspberry jam, creating a beautiful crown.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown and crisp on top. The transformation of the meringue in the oven is magical; it will puff up and become beautifully colored. Once it looks perfect, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle just perfectly before you dig in.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding a touch of crème fraîche to the custard for an extra creamy layer.
- Vegetables: For a twist, try adding grated carrots or finely chopped apples into the custard mixture.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a holiday-themed flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to whip the egg whites in a thoroughly clean bowl to ensure they whip to their maximum volume.
- If your meringue doesn’t reach stiff peaks, your pudding might not have the fluffy topping it deserves — don’t rush this process.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Queen of Puddings warm, preferably with a drizzle of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Tips
- Ensure that ingredients like the milk and butter are fresh to enhance flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different fruits in place of raspberry jam; strawberry or blackberry can also be delicious alternatives.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
What can I substitute for the raspberry jam?
Any berry jam will work well in this recipe, including strawberry, blackberry, or mixed berry. The key is to choose something that offers a nice balance between sweetness and tartness.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes! The custard base can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just top with meringue and bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Any leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the meringue may lose its texture.
Can I freeze Queen of Puddings?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the custard and meringue may not hold up well after thawing.
Conclusion
The Queen of Puddings is not merely a dessert but a delightful experience that speaks of tradition and indulgence. Each bite offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, connecting you with the history of British baking while also providing a modern touch, perfect for any gathering. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, experiment with your flavor ideas, and make it your own. Share your experiences below and let us know how you enjoyed it. There’s nothing quite like bringing a royal dessert to your table; enjoy every spoonful!
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Queen of Puddings
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert that never fails to impress, embodying a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 600ml whole milk – Forms the rich custard base.
- 150g fresh white breadcrumbs – Soaks up the milk and gives texture.
- 100g caster sugar (split between custard and meringue layers).
- 25g unsalted butter – Adds richness to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings gentle, aromatic sweetness.
- 3 eggs, separated – Yolks enrich the custard, whites form the meringue.
- 100g raspberry jam – Bright, tart, and perfect against the creamy base.
- Zest from 1 lemon – Adds zing to the custard.
- A pinch of salt – Enhances all flavors.
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). As the temperature rises, take a moment to prepare your baking dish. Generously butter the insides to ensure that the Classic Queen of Puddings can be easily removed once baked. Setting the stage for your pudding is critical for making it shine.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the whole milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Stir in the fresh white breadcrumbs, unsalted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and half of the caster sugar. Allow this mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time enables the breadcrumbs to soak in the flavors and absorb the milk, creating a delightful custard base. After that, whisk in the egg yolks quickly – this enriches the mixture, adding a lovely creaminess and enhancing the flavor.
- Pour the breadcrumb custard mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. You want to keep an eye on it; the pudding should be set yet retain a slight wobble in the center indicating that it remains moist and custardy.
- After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. The next step is critical: gently spread the raspberry jam over the hot custard base. The heat will help the jam to melt slightly, blending beautifully with the custard underneath. Give it a chance to cool for a short time while you prepare the next component—the meringue.
- In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture of the meringue. Gradually, add the remaining sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture reaches a glossy, stiff peak state. Spoon or pipe this luscious meringue carefully over the raspberry jam, creating a beautiful crown.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown and crisp on top. The transformation of the meringue in the oven is magical; it will puff up and become beautifully colored. Once it looks perfect, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle just perfectly before you dig in.
Notes
Ensure that ingredients like the milk and butter are fresh to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 5 g