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English Summer Pudding Recipe

English summer pudding is one of the easiest summer desserts you can make. With an impressive presentation, only you will know how easy it is to make.

Dating back to the early 1900’s, there are no stories surrounding this dessert other than it used to be known by other names like hydropathic pudding and Malvern pudding. I think I prefer its current name.

When the hot summer sun is heating up your kitchen, no one wants to turn on the oven and this is a fantastic no-bake dessert that can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.

Perfect for serving a crowd you can make multiple puddings depending on how many people you’re feeding. It’s amazing what sliced white bread and fresh fruit can produce.

English Summer Pudding Photo
(Janette Fuschi)

Yes, this is a dessert made with regular white sliced bread. It starts with a 1-quart bowl that is lined with the sliced bread. You will have to cut the bread into different shapes and sizes to evenly cover the inside of the bowl.  

Overlap the bread and don’t leave any gaps, this will ensure a perfectly formed pudding. You’re probably wondering how you get from the look pasty white bread to a vibrant violet hue? Read on…

English Summer Pudding Picture
(Janette Fuschi)

For the fruit filling, the focus is typically on raspberries. Red currants are also used, but I don’t often find them in my stores. Blackberries and strawberries are also typical, but feel free to use any berries that you like and are available to you.

Sugar and water are melted in a pan, then the fruit is added and cooked for a few minutes until their juices are released (here comes the color). The fruit is added to the bread-lined bowl and some of the juice is reserved.

English Summer Pudding Image
(Janette Fuschi)

The bowl is topped with more bread (this will be the bottom of the pudding) and a plate that fits perfectly is placed on top. Place a heavy object like a large can on top and refrigerated overnight.

The next day, run a knife around the pudding to help loosen, then turn it out onto a serving plate. Take the reserved juice and brush the outside of the bread so it soaks in and that is how you get the amazing color.

English Summer Pudding Pic
(Janette Fuschi)

Serve with a side of whipped cream and the easiest, no-bake dessert is done!

File 1 - English Summer Pudding
File 2 - English Summer Pudding
File 3 - English Summer Pudding

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English Summer Pudding Photo

English Summer Pudding Recipe

Janette Fuschi
English summer pudding is one of the easiest summer desserts you can make. With an impressive presentation, only you will know how easy it is to make.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 232 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 7-10 slices White Bread crusts removed
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 12 ounces Raspberries
  • 6 ounces Blackberries
  • 6 ounces Strawberries cut into a similar size to the other fruit
  • Whipped Cream

Instructions
 

  • Line the bottom of a large bowl bowl with a circular slice of bread.
  • Line the sides of the bowl with more slices so they fit snuggly.
  • Add the sugar and 2 tablespoons water to a large saucepan over medium-low heat and heat until the sugar melts and cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
  • Stir in the fruit so it is well coated with the sugar liquid and cook for 2 minutes, until the fruit has released some of its juices.
  • Spoon the fruit into the bread-lined bowl, reserving the liquid.
  • Top the bowl of fruit with more bread, covering evenly. Place a plate that fits on top and weigh down with a heavy can. Refrigerate for 8 hours.
  • Strain the leftover juice, cover and refrigerate.
  • Run a knife between the bread and the bowl to help release and turn out onto a serving dish. Brush the the outside of the bread with the rest of the fruit juice.
  • Serve with a side of whipped cream and juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSodium: 245mgFiber: 4gSugar: 24g
Keyword Berries, British, Desserts, Easy Desserts, Fruit, No Bake, Summer
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating