If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both a nostalgic classic and a showstopper, let me introduce you to the Queen of Puddings Recipe. This delightful British dessert layers a soft, creamy breadcrumb custard base with a vibrant spread of raspberry jam, all crowned by a cloud of golden, crisp meringue. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors — comfort food elevated to regal status, ideal for any occasion that calls for a sweet ending with a story.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the elegance of this dessert; the Queen of Puddings Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers, adding richness, freshness, or a touch of sweetness that makes this pudding unforgettable.
- Whole milk: 600ml of the backbone for a creamy, smooth custard base that feels indulgent but comforting.
- Fresh white breadcrumbs: 150g to soak up the milk and create a luscious, custard-like texture that’s unique to this dish.
- Caster sugar: 100g total, divided between custard and meringue for balanced sweetness without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: 25g adds a velvety richness and depth to the custard, enhancing its creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to infuse a gentle, aromatic sweetness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Eggs: 3, separated; yolks enrich the custard while the whites create that beautifully airy meringue topping.
- Raspberry jam: 100g offers a bright and tart contrast, cutting through the sweetness with lovely fruitiness.
- Lemon zest: From 1 lemon, adding a zingy freshness to the custard that lifts the whole dessert.
- Pinch of salt: Essential to enhance every flavor and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Queen of Puddings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Buttering your baking dish is a simple yet crucial step, ensuring that the finished pudding slides out beautifully and develops a lightly crisp edge where it meets the dish. This foundation sets you up for success before you even mix the first ingredient.
Step 2: Create the Custard Base
Warm the whole milk gently in a saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Stir in the fresh breadcrumbs, butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and half of the caster sugar. This mixture needs to sit quietly for about 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs soak up the milk, swelling and softening into that unique pudding texture. After resting, whisk in the egg yolks to enrich the custard with a silky body.
Step 3: Bake the Custard Layer
Pour the breadcrumb custard mixture into the buttered dish, smoothing it out evenly. Bake it for 25 minutes so it sets with a slight wobble in the center — that’s the sign of a perfect custard that will hold its shape but still feel soft and moist inside.
Step 4: Add Raspberry Jam
Once out of the oven, gently spread the raspberry jam over the hot custard layer. The heat slightly melts the jam, forming a sweet, fruity glaze that provides a delicious contrast in both taste and texture. Let it cool a little as you prepare the final topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Meringue
Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Slowly add the remaining sugar as you continue beating until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff, ready to be spread or piped. This airy layer is what will make the Queen of Puddings Recipe so irresistibly light and crisp on top.
Step 6: Bake with Meringue Topping
Spoon or pipe the meringue neatly over the jam layer, creating peaks or a smooth finish according to your style. Pop the pudding back into the oven for 15 minutes so the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown. This final bake gives your pudding that signature crown fit for royalty.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the pudding rest for about 5 minutes to settle before slicing into generous spoonfuls. Serve it warm and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a drizzle of cream on top — it truly completes this beloved dish.
How to Serve Queen of Puddings Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of icing sugar or a few fresh raspberries scattered on top can add a pop of color and a touch of elegance. A sprig of mint brings freshness and a lovely aromatic note to contrast the sweet meringue and rich custard base.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm cup of tea or a glass of dessert wine to elevate the entire experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of baking in one large dish, try making individual portions in ramekins to impress guests. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves, like blackberry or apricot, to personalize the jam layer while maintaining that classic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Queen of Puddings Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to cover it tightly with cling film or store it in an airtight container to maintain the custard’s moisture and the meringue’s texture as much as possible.
Freezing
This dessert doesn’t freeze particularly well because the custard and meringue layers tend to separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored for short periods in the fridge if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C) to revive the custard warmth without melting the meringue too much. Microwave reheating isn’t recommended as it may make the texture rubbery or lose the signature crispiness of the topping.
FAQs
Can I use stale bread for the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! In fact, stale bread works perfectly because it soaks up the milk better, helping to create that lovely custard-like texture in the pudding.
Is it possible to make the meringue ahead of time?
It’s best to make and bake the meringue just before serving to preserve that crisp, golden top. Pre-made meringue tends to get soggy quickly when placed on the pudding.
Can I substitute raspberry jam with another fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with different fruit jams such as blackberry, strawberry, or even apricot for a unique twist while keeping the essence of the dish.
What if I don’t have fresh breadcrumbs?
You can make your own by blitzing day-old white bread in a food processor until fine, or use store-bought fresh white breadcrumbs, just avoid dry or seasoned ones.
Can this pudding be served cold?
While it can be eaten cold, the Queen of Puddings Recipe truly shines when served warm, where the custard is soft and the meringue is golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little British charm to your dessert table, the Queen of Puddings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its simple ingredients combine to create a dish that’s rich in tradition and flavor, yet light enough to enjoy any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Once you taste that creamy custard, vibrant jam, and fluffy meringue together, you’ll see why this pudding has earned its royal title in kitchens everywhere.
