Malvern Apple Pudding with Caramelized Sugar Recipe
Malvern Pudding is a classic English dessert featuring tender baked apples submerged in a creamy custard base, finished with a delightful caramelized sugar topping. This comforting dish blends the tartness of apples with a rich, velvety custard, making it perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Bramley work well)
Custard
- 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening)
- A pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Arrange them evenly at the bottom of a buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over the apples to add sweetness and help soften them during baking. Set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, full-fat milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. If you prefer a thicker custard custard, incorporate the optional tablespoon of flour by whisking it in thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Assemble the Pudding: Pour the prepared custard mixture over the apple slices in the baking dish. Carefully tap the dish on the countertop to help the custard settle and seep between the apple wedges, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and has developed a golden brown color on top.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Approximately 5 minutes before the baking time is complete, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the surface of the pudding. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the sugar melts, caramelizes, and forms a crisp, glossy crust.
- Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm for the best flavor, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley for a nice balance against the sweetness of the custard and caramel topping.
- The optional flour in the custard helps achieve a thicker, firmer texture but can be omitted for a lighter custard.
- For a gluten-free version, omit the flour entirely.
- Ensure to watch the pudding carefully during the last 5 minutes to prevent the caramelized topping from burning.
- Serving the pudding warm improves the texture and flavor but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Keywords: Malvern Pudding, English dessert, baked apples, custard dessert, caramelized sugar pudding
