restaurant_menu Desserts

Traditional Spotted Dick Recipe: A Classic English Pudding

calendar_today December 28, 2025 schedule 2 min read

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Prep

20 minutes

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Cook

180 minutes

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Rest

15 minutes

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Servings

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Calories

498 kcal

A classic English steamed pudding with currants, traditionally served with custard.

restaurant_menu Ingredients format_list_numbered Instructions

restaurant_menu Ingredients

Servings

Pudding Ingredients

check 2 cups all-purpose flour check 2 teaspoons baking powder check 1/4 teaspoon salt check 5 ounces shredded beef suet (or 10 tablespoons chilled butter, diced) check 2/3 cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar) check 1 cup dried currants check 3/4 cup milk check 2 teaspoons vanilla extract check Zest of one large lemon

Serving Suggestion

check English Custard Sauce

hardware Essential Tools

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Pudding mold, Large stock pot, Food processor, Mixing bowl

format_list_numbered Preparation

Preparation

Place metal cookie cutters in the bottom of a large stock pot, add water, and bring to a boil.

Grease a 1.6 liter pudding mold.

Making the Pudding

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and suet (or butter) in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract and currants and stir until combined.

Scoop the batter into the prepared pudding mold and secure it tightly with the lid.

Steaming and Serving

Lower the pudding mold into the boiling water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the mold. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours (suet) or 90 minutes (butter).

Weight the mold to keep it submerged. Check water levels and add more as needed.

Remove from water, let rest for 15 minutes, invert onto a plate, slice, and serve warm with custard.

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Try These Variations

Add Different Dried Fruits

Experiment with different dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, or mixed peel.

Spice it Up

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the batter for a warmer flavor.

Citrus Zest

Try using orange or lime zest instead of lemon zest for a different citrus note.

Boozy Spotted Dick

Add a tablespoon or two of brandy or rum to the batter for an extra kick.

Chef's Pro Tips

Use High-Quality Suet

If you can find it, use high-quality shredded beef suet for the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing the batter can result in a tough pudding. Mix until just combined.

Ensure Proper Steaming

Maintaining the water level during steaming is crucial for even cooking.

Let it Rest

Allowing the pudding to rest before inverting helps it to release from the mold more easily.

Storage Guide

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Leftover spotted dick can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam it again or wrap it in foil and reheat in the oven.

Avoid These Mistakes

✕ Using Cold Butter

If substituting butter for suet, make sure it is well-chilled and diced into small pieces.

✕ Overfilling the Mold

Do not overfill the pudding mold, as the pudding will expand during steaming.

✕ Not Maintaining Water Level

Ensure the water level remains at the halfway point of the pudding mold throughout the steaming process.

✕ Removing Too Early

Be sure to steam the pudding for the entire recommended time; otherwise, it will not be cooked through.

nutrition Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 serving

498 kcal Calories

74g Carbohydrates

6g Protein

20g Fat

Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

flag Conclusion

The spotted dick recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of British history and tradition. With its unique texture and comforting flavors, this steamed pudding is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe provides a straightforward guide to creating a delicious and memorable dessert. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of warm spotted dick with a generous helping of custard. It’s a delightful experience that will transport you straight to a cozy British tea room.

sell Related Topics

#english pudding #steamed pudding #suet pudding #british dessert #custard recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a steamed suet pudding called? expand_more

A steamed suet pudding can be called by various names depending on the ingredients and preparation. Spotted dick is one example, but others include Christmas pudding, sticky toffee pudding, and clootie dumpling.

What ingredients are used to make pudding? expand_more

The ingredients used to make pudding vary widely depending on the type of pudding. Generally, puddings include a base of flour or starch, a sweetener like sugar, a liquid such as milk or water, and flavorings like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.

What are the ingredients in fruit pudding? expand_more

Fruit pudding typically includes dried or fresh fruit, flour, sugar, butter or suet, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The specific fruits and spices can vary based on the recipe.

How to make custard pudding ingredients? expand_more

Custard pudding typically includes milk or cream, sugar, eggs or custard powder (cornstarch-based), and vanilla extract. Some recipes may also include a thickener like cornstarch for a firmer consistency.