Description
Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert that never fails to impress, embodying a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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