Desserts

Queen of Puddings

Name: Queen of Puddings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup bread crumbs; 1 cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry); A pinch of salt; 3 egg whites

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Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg

Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert that brings together a delightful combination of custard, fruity sweetness, and fluffy meringue. This dish features a creamy base made with bread crumbs and is finished with a layer of your favorite fruit jam and a cloud-like meringue topping. It’s a perfect dessert for both special occasions and everyday indulgences, as it offers a charming presentation and a beautiful balance of flavors. The bottom is creamy and rich while the top is light and airy, making each bite a delightful experience.

Why Make This Queen of Puddings

Queen of Puddings is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It makes for an impressive centerpiece at dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The interplay of textures and flavors—creamy custard, sweet jam, and fluffy meringue—makes it delightful to eat and pleasing to the eye. This dessert also provides a opportunity to use seasonal fruits: raspberry or strawberry jam adds a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the custard. Plus, it’s a nostalgic recipe that connects to British culinary tradition.

How to Make Queen of Puddings

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This step will ensure your pudding comes out perfectly without any hassle.

Step 2: Mixing

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be cooked over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. You want a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Cooking

Next, fold in the bread crumbs and a pinch of salt until well combined, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it is set in the middle and has a light golden color.

Step 4: Finishing

Once baked, take it out of the oven and spread a generous layer of your chosen fruit jam on top. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Spread this meringue over the jam, creating a beautiful, fluffy topping. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Serve your Queen of Puddings warm or allow it to cool and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 cup fruit jam (raspberry or strawberry)
A pinch of salt
3 egg whites

How to Serve Queen of Puddings

This dessert can be enjoyed warm straight out of the oven or chilled after cooling in the refrigerator. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. Consider serving it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store Queen of Puddings

You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the meringue crisp, it’s best to consume this dessert shortly after baking. Reheating in the oven can help restore some of the texture, but the meringue may soften.

Expert Tips for Perfect Queen of Puddings

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother custard.
Don’t Overmix Egg Whites: When beating the egg whites for the meringue, stop as soon as stiff peaks form to avoid overwhipping and a grainy texture.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the meringue while it bakes to prevent burning. You want it golden, not dark brown.
Choose Quality Jam: Go for a high-quality fruit jam, as this will influence the overall flavor of the dish.
Experiment with Flavors: Try different jams and extracts; lemon or almond flavoring can add a delightful twist.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Queen of Puddings: Substitute the jam with chocolate spread and incorporate cocoa powder into the custard for a rich dessert.
Tropical Twist: Use coconut milk and top with mango or passion fruit jam for a tropical flavor profile.
Berry Medley: Mix various fruit jams together for a unique taste that changes with the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Queen of Puddings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard and bake it a day in advance. Just add the jam and meringue before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have bread crumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, flour, or ground oats as alternatives if you’re out of bread crumbs.
How can I tell when the custard is thick enough?
The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick but pourable.
Can I freeze Queen of Puddings?
It is not recommended to freeze Queen of Puddings, as the meringue and custard may separate and change texture once thawed.
What jam is best to use?
Raspberry and strawberry are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like apricot or blueberry for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Queen of Puddings is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances taste and visual appeal. From the creamy custard to the sweet fruit jam and fluffy meringue, it truly earns its royal title. Whether you are serving it at a celebration or enjoying it as a sweet treat at home, this delightful dessert is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and give this classic recipe a try – your family and friends will be glad you did!