Queen of Puddings
Queen of Puddings is a delightful British dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dining table. With its creamy base, fluffy meringue topping, and a fruity raspberry jam layer, it’s a sweet treat that satisfies every sweet tooth. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple enough for even novice cooks to attempt. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 60mg
Why Make Queen of Puddings
Queen of Puddings is a versatile dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive. It combines basic ingredients into a lovely layered masterpiece that can showcase different flavors depending on your preferences. The richness of the milk and eggs complements the sweetness of the raspberry jam perfectly, making it a delightful treat for both children and adults. Plus, it’s an exquisite way to use up leftover breadcrumbs, turning them into something special and delicious.
How to Make Queen of Puddings Step by Step
Ingredients
500 ml Whole Milk
100 g Fresh Breadcrumbs
25 g Unsalted Butter
100 g Caster Sugar (divided)
3 Eggs (separated)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 tbsp Raspberry Jam
a pinch of Salt
Directions
Set your oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease a medium ovenproof dish. In a saucepan, warm the milk, unsalted butter, and half of the caster sugar over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and fresh breadcrumbs, then let the mixture rest for a few minutes. After resting, whisk in the egg yolks until everything is fully combined. Pour the breadcrumb mixture into the greased dish and let it settle for a bit. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove and spread the raspberry jam over the top while it’s still warm. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with the remaining sugar and a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Spread or pipe the meringue over the jam layer. Finally, bake again for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden. Serve the Queen of Puddings warm, ideally with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of custard.
How to Serve Queen of Puddings
For an enjoyable presentation, serve Queen of Puddings warm with a drizzle of double cream or a scoop of smooth vanilla custard on the side. Pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast and added texture. For a touch of luxury, sprinkle some toasted almonds or crushed pistachios on top before serving.
How to Store Queen of Puddings
To store leftover Queen of Puddings, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Freezing is not recommended due to the meringue’s texture, but you can freeze the cooked base (without meringue) for up to a month.
Expert Tips for Cooking Queen of Puddings
- Ensure the milk mixture is warm but not boiling to perfectly integrate the breadcrumbs.
- Use day-old bread for your breadcrumbs to achieve the best consistency.
- Whip the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks for a fluffy meringue layer.
- Store leftover pudding without the meringue if you plan to freeze, and add meringue before reheating.
- Don’t skip letting the pudding set before adding the jam; this ensures the layers stay distinct.
Delicious Variations of Queen of Puddings
- Lemon Queen of Puddings: Replace the raspberry jam with lemon curd for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Queen of Puddings: Stir in some cocoa powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a chocolatey flavor.
- Spiced Queen of Puddings: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk mixture for added warmth and spice.
Queen of Puddings is a charming dessert that is truly a crowd-pleaser. Its delightful blend of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. We encourage you to try your hand at this lovely recipe, savor its comforting flavors, and share it with those you love. Enjoy the sweet moments that come with each delicious bite!
Queen of Puddings
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease a medium ovenproof dish.
- In a saucepan, warm the milk, unsalted butter, and half of the caster sugar over low heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fresh breadcrumbs, then let the mixture rest for a few minutes.
- After resting, whisk in the egg yolks until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the breadcrumb mixture into the greased dish and let it settle for a bit.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove and spread the raspberry jam over the top while it’s still warm.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with the remaining sugar and a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks.
- Spread or pipe the meringue over the jam layer.
- Bake again for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.
- Serve the Queen of Puddings warm, ideally with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of custard.
