Malvern Apple Pudding with Caramelized Sugar Recipe

Introduction

Malvern Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring tender baked apples enveloped in a creamy, lightly caramelized custard. This simple yet elegant pudding is perfect for cozy evenings and offers a delightful blend of soft fruit and rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Bramley work well)
• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening)
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar (for caramelizing)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Arrange them evenly at the bottom of a buttered baking dish (about 8-inch square). Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the apples and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, full-fat milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If you prefer a thicker custard, add the flour and whisk until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the custard mixture over the apples in the dish. Gently tap the baking dish on the counter to help the custard settle among the apple slices.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top turns golden brown.
5. Step 5: About 5 minutes before it finishes baking, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar across the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and forms a crispy crust.
6. Step 6: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley to balance the sweetness and provide a pleasant texture.
• If you prefer a richer custard, increase the heavy cream by 1/4 cup and reduce the milk accordingly.
• For a gluten-free option, simply omit the flour; the custard will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Malvern Pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The caramelized top may soften slightly on reheating but will remain flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pudding?

Yes, you can experiment with different apple varieties, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley provide the best balance to the sweet custard. Sweeter apples may make the dish overly sweet.

Is it necessary to caramelize the brown sugar on top?

While not mandatory, caramelizing the brown sugar adds a lovely crispy texture and deep flavor contrast to the creamy custard. You can skip this step if you prefer a softer topping.

Malvern Apple Pudding with Caramelized Sugar Recipe

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Malvern Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring tender baked apples submerged in a rich, vanilla-flavored custard with a caramelized brown sugar topping. This comforting pudding combines the tartness of Granny Smith or Bramley apples with a creamy, golden baked custard for a delightfully warm and indulgent treat.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

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Apples

• 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Bramley)

Custard

• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
• A pinch of salt

Topping

• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish and arrange the apple slices evenly at the bottom. Lightly sprinkle with granulated sugar and set aside.
2. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, full-fat milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. If a thicker custard is desired, whisk in the optional flour until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Pudding: Pour the custard mixture gently over the apples in the prepared baking dish. Tap the dish lightly on the counter to help the custard settle evenly among the apple slices.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and has turned a light golden brown color.
5. Caramelize the Sugar: About 5 minutes before the end of baking, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the pudding. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the brown sugar melts and forms a crispy, caramelized topping.
6. Serve: Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

• Using tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley balances the sweetness of the custard and caramel topping.
• The optional flour in the custard helps to thicken it, but you can omit it for a lighter texture.
• For best caramelization, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly and ensure the oven is fully preheated.
• Allow the pudding to rest a few minutes to let the custard set further before serving.
• Serve the pudding warm for the best flavor contrast between the creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar.

Keywords: Malvern Pudding, British dessert, baked apple custard, caramelized sugar pudding, traditional pudding