Spiced Autumn Plum Pudding: A Cozy Fall Delight
Introduction
Discover the essence of autumn with the delightful Spiced Autumn Plum Pudding, a modern twist on the classic British dessert. This delightful dish captures the warmth and coziness of fall, enhanced with seasonal ingredients and warming spices. Perfect for crisp fall days, this pudding is a comforting and flavorful treat, ideal for gatherings with family and friends. Subscribe to receive more delightful recipes by email and bring the warmth of the season into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spiced Autumn Plum Pudding is sure to become a favorite for a number of reasons. First, its rich and warming flavors embody the essence of fall, featuring the sweetness of dried plums and apricots paired with the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Additionally, this family-friendly dessert can be a show-stopper at any autumn gathering, bringing comfort and joy to all who taste it.
Ingredients
– 1 cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup rum or apple juice
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Sifter
– Pudding basin or baking dish
– Parchment paper and aluminum foil
– String
– Large baking dish
– Skewer
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or pantry. Swap dried apricots with raisins or cranberries for a different burst of flavor. For a nut-free version, consider adding chocolate chips or shredded coconut. You can also experiment with the spices, adding a dash of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the chopped plums, apricots, and rum or apple juice in a small bowl, letting them soak for at least 30 minutes to plump up the fruits.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-cup pudding basin or baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
4. Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the soaked fruits along with any remaining liquid and the chopped walnuts.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared pudding basin, smoothing the top. Cover with greased parchment paper and aluminum foil, securing with a string around the rim.
8. Place the basin into a larger baking dish, filling the dish with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.
9. Bake for 75-90 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the pudding from the water bath and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or custard if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For a simple touch, serve it alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or a rich coffee to complement the flavors.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure the best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. Also, be gentle when folding in the fruit and nuts to avoid overmixing the batter and ensuring a light texture.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire pudding in a warm oven until heated through.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This pudding can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
A: Dried fruit is recommended for their concentrated flavor and texture, but you could experiment with fresh fruit, though it may alter the texture.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of fall with this Spiced Autumn Plum Pudding—an enticing and straightforward recipe that delivers warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just venturing into the kitchen, this dessert provides a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the season’s bounty. We invite you to leave reviews, share photos, or tag this recipe on Pinterest or Instagram!
Nutritional Information
Approximations per serving:
– Calories: 280
– Fat: 14g
– Carbohydrates: 37g
– Protein: 4g
– Fiber: 2g
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful treat with those you love!
