Cornish Pudding Recipe
Today, we’re celebrating a comforting classic from Cornwall: our beloved Cornish pudding recipe. This traditional dessert, packed with warm spices and sweet dried fruits, is perfect for cosy evenings and family gatherings. It’s a fantastic way to use up stale bread and transform it into something delightful and heartwarming.
History:
Cornish pudding, more commonly known as bread pudding in Cornwall, is a testament to the region’s ingenuity and thrifty nature. For generations, Cornish households have been whipping up this delicious treat, turning stale bread into a scrumptious dessert. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special, reflecting the resourcefulness of Cornish culinary traditions.
Serving Suggestions:
This pudding is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve it with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finish. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storing Instructions:
To keep your Cornish pudding fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding. Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the pudding, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave; simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
Conclusion:
We hope this Cornish pudding brings a taste of traditional Cornwall to your home. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a piece of history while indulging in a comforting dessert. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know how you like to serve your pudding. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more classic recipes and culinary stories from Ireland and beyond.
How to Make Cornish Pudding Recipe
Experience the heartwarming flavours of our traditional Cornish pudding recipe, a delightful dessert that transforms simple, leftover bread into a rich, comforting treat. Brimming with mixed dried fruits, glace cherries, and warm spices, this pudding is baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy demerara sugar. Serve it warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cosy indulgence. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
- 200 g stale bread, cubed
- 500 ml whole milk
- 100 g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g melted butter
- 200 g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 50 g glace cherries, halved
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 50 g demerara sugar
- 25 g butter, cut into small pieces
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Warm the Milk
Warm the milk in a saucepan until just below boiling.
- Combine with Bread
Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and pour the warm milk over it. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes until the bread becomes soft.
- Whisk the Eggs
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Blend the Mixtures
Add the soaked bread to the egg mixture and stir well to combine.
- Incorporate the Fruits and Spices
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit, glace cherries, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Grease the Dish
Grease a baking dish (approximately 20x20cm) with butter.
- Fill the Dish
Pour the bread mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle Sugar
Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top.
- Dot with Butter
Dot the pudding with small pieces of butter.
- Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve Warm
Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- Calories from Fat 108kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 6g12%
- Vitamin A 350 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use stale bread for the best texture; if using fresh bread, lightly toast it first.
- Customize the dried fruit mix to your preference; apricots, dates, or dried cranberries can be used.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can add a delightful crunch.
- Serve warm with clotted cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
