Eve’s Pudding is a classic British dessert that combines tender, stewed apples with a light and fluffy sponge topping. This comforting Mary Berry Eve pudding recipe has been a staple in British kitchens for generations, offering the perfect balance of tart fruit and buttery sponge. Served warm with custard or cream, it’s the ultimate dessert for cozy evenings.
This Eve Pudding recipe stays true to tradition while ensuring a perfectly soft texture and rich apple flavor. The apples are gently simmered with a touch of sugar and lemon juice before being topped with a simple yet airy sponge. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday roast dessert or a midweek treat, this recipe is easy, foolproof, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Base:
- 4 large apples (Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
For the Sponge Topping:
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100g (½ cup) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g (¾ cup) self-raising flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Substitutes and Optional Ingredients
- Apple alternatives: Pears work well for a variation with a milder flavor.
- Self-raising flour substitute: Use plain flour with 1 tsp baking powder.
- Cinnamon: Optional, but it adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Equipment You’ll Need for Eve’s Pudding
- Medium baking dish (about 1.5L capacity)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Peeler and corer
- Spatula
Mary Berry Eve Pudding Recipe : Step-by-Step Guide
Time needed: 35 minutes
Follow these simple steps for Eve’s Pudding:
- Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F and grease a medium baking dish.
- Prepare the apples
In a saucepan, combine the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and water. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Transfer to the greased baking dish.
- Make the sponge batter
In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the flour
Sift in the self-raising flour and fold gently until combined. Stir in the milk to loosen the batter.
- Assemble the pudding
Spoon the sponge batter evenly over the softened apples, spreading it gently to cover the fruit.
- Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the sponge comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info
Each serving of Eve’s Pudding is a delicious balance of fruit and sponge. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
Calories | ~280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | ~40g |
Protein | ~4g |
Fat | ~12g |
Saturated Fat | ~7g |
Sugar | ~30g |
Contains gluten and dairy. Not suitable for vegan diets without substitutions.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Classic comfort dessert. Warm, soft apples and light sponge make for a nostalgic treat.
- Simple ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual dessert or a dinner party, Eve’s Pudding is always a winner.
Pro Tips for Perfect Eve’s Pudding
- Use tart apples. Bramley or Granny Smith apples give the best contrast of sweetness and acidity.
- Don’t overmix the batter. A light hand ensures a fluffy sponge topping.
- Bake until golden. A properly baked sponge should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps
- Pear & Ginger Pudding: Swap apples for pears and add a touch of ground ginger.
- Berry Twist: Add raspberries or blackberries to the apple base for extra fruitiness.
- Almond Flavored Sponge: Add a few drops of almond extract for a subtle nutty taste.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Skipping the pre-cooking step. Apples should be slightly softened before baking for the best texture.
- Over-spreading the batter. Lightly spread the batter without pressing it down too much.
- Using the wrong apples. Soft apples like Gala can turn mushy; use firmer varieties instead.
How to Store & Serve Eve’s Pudding
Storing
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Freeze baked pudding in portions, then reheat in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes.
Serving
- Best enjoyed warm with custard, clotted cream, or vanilla ice cream.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar.
Related Recipe: How to make Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding Recipe FAQs
Can I make Eve’s Pudding in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the apple base and batter ahead of time. Assemble just before baking or refrigerate for a few hours before popping it into the oven.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-raising flour?
You can, but the texture will be denser. Mix whole wheat flour with baking powder to help maintain some lightness.
What’s the best way to reheat Eve’s Pudding?
The best method is to warm it in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes, or you can microwave individual portions for 30-40 seconds.
Conclusion
Mary Berry Eve Pudding recipe is a delightful blend of warm, spiced apples and soft sponge, making it a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its simple preparation and comforting flavors, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether served with custard, cream, or ice cream, it’s a timeless treat that’s always a hit!