The holiday season in the United Kingdom is a time filled with warmth and tradition, especially when it comes to festive baking. One delightful treat that graces many British tables during Christmas is the classic Treacle Pudding. This rich and comforting dessert is a true embodiment of winter coziness, with its luscious combination of dark treacle, buttery sponge, and a hint of spice. Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a dessert that will fill your home with the delightful scents of the season.
Title: Treacle Pudding
Ingredients:
– 200g golden syrup
– 50g black treacle
– 50g unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 200g self-raising flour
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 120ml whole milk
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a pudding basin with butter.
2. In a saucepan, gently heat the golden syrup and black treacle until warm and runny. Pour this mixture into the greased pudding basin, spreading it across the bottom to create an even layer.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Sift in the self-raising flour, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
5. Gradually add the whole milk to the batter, stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency. Fold in the lemon zest for a burst of citrus fragrance.
6. Carefully spoon the pudding batter into the prepared pudding basin, on top of the treacle mixture. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
7. Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and secure it with twine. This will help the pudding steam as it bakes, creating a moist and tender texture.
8. Place the basin in a large baking dish filled with hot water, creating a water bath for the pudding. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the pudding is set and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully invert the pudding onto a serving plate, allowing the treacle to flow down the sides.
10. Serve the Treacle Pudding warm, accompanied by a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of warm custard. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this quintessentially British Christmas dessert.
This Treacle Pudding is a true masterpiece of holiday baking, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in by the fireplace on a chilly winter evening. The deep richness of the treacle combined with the soft sponge creates a dessert that is both nostalgic and indulgent. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to bake up a cozy Christmas treat that will surely become a new family favorite.
