There are few desserts as comforting and heartwarming as Eve’s Pudding, a classic British dish that beautifully combines baked apples with a light, fluffy sponge topping. Often described as an apple sponge pudding, it was first created in the 19th century and has remained a favorite in family kitchens ever since. The name itself, “Eve’s Pudding,” is thought to be a nod to the biblical Eve, who is famously associated with apples. It’s a dessert steeped in history, yet still loved today for its simplicity, warmth, and ability to bring people together around the table.
This recipe balances tart cooking apples with a sweet, buttery sponge, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but also elegant enough to serve at a Sunday dinner with family. Served with custard, cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Eve’s Pudding is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight.
Ingredients
To make a traditional Eve’s Pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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3–4 medium cooking apples (such as Bramley or Granny Smith)
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2 tablespoons sugar (for sweetening the apples)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
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100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
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100 g (½ cup) caster sugar
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2 large eggs
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100 g (¾ cup) self-raising flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
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2 tablespoons milk (to loosen the batter, if needed)
Optional for serving: warm custard, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Add two tablespoons of sugar and stir to coat the apples lightly. This step enhances their natural tartness and ensures a sweet, tender fruit layer once baked. Spread the apples evenly in the base of a buttered baking dish.
2. Make the sponge batter
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving the sponge its light texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Next, sift in the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the flour into the wet mixture, taking care not to knock out too much air. If the batter feels overly thick, stir in a splash or two of milk until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3. Assemble the pudding
Spoon the sponge mixture over the apples in the baking dish, spreading it out gently with the back of a spoon or spatula. Try to cover all the apples so that the sponge bakes evenly on top. As it cooks, the sponge will rise beautifully, while the apples soften into a tender, syrupy base.
4. Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pudding for about 35–40 minutes, or until the sponge topping is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed. Insert a skewer into the sponge to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
5. Serve and enjoy
Let the pudding rest for a few minutes after baking, as the apples will be very hot. Serve generous spoonfuls with a drizzle of custard, a dollop of cream, or a scoop of ice cream. The contrast of warm sponge, tender apples, and cool, creamy topping makes each bite irresistible.
Tips for the Best Eve’s Pudding
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Choose the right apples: Cooking apples like Bramley are ideal because they soften into a lovely, tangy filling. If you prefer a sweeter version, use dessert apples such as Gala or Honeycrisp.
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Add spice: For a cozy twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before adding the sponge. This adds warmth and depth of flavor.
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Experiment with fruits: Though traditional Eve’s Pudding uses apples, you can mix in pears, plums, or even berries for variety.
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Double the batch for gatherings: This pudding is perfect for sharing, so you can easily double the ingredients to fill a larger dish when cooking for a crowd.
Why Eve’s Pudding is Special
Eve’s Pudding stands out because of its rustic charm and balance of flavors. The tanginess of the apples offsets the sweetness of the sponge, creating a harmony that is neither too rich nor too plain. Unlike many modern desserts, this pudding doesn’t rely on elaborate decoration or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s honest, simple, and deeply satisfying.
What makes it even more comforting is its connection to home cooking and tradition. Many people grew up enjoying Eve’s Pudding after Sunday roasts, with their mothers or grandmothers carefully layering apples and sponge in the family’s favorite baking dish. Recreating it today is not just about making dessert, but also about reliving cherished memories and passing down culinary traditions to future generations.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Custard: The silky texture of warm custard pairs beautifully with the sponge and apples, making it the most traditional accompaniment.
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Whipped Cream: A lighter option that still adds richness without being heavy.
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Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pudding, making it especially appealing in warmer weather.
Final Thoughts
Eve’s Pudding may not be flashy or modern, but its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug on a plate—warm, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for your family after a hearty dinner or as a treat for yourself on a quiet evening, this pudding captures the timeless joy of homemade cooking.
By using basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that has stood the test of time for generations. So, gather some apples, whip up a light sponge, and bake yourself a little piece of tradition. Eve’s Pudding will remind you why the simplest recipes are often the best.
