Malvern Pudding, often affectionately referred to as Custard Apple Pudding, combines the delightful tartness of cooking apples with the sweetness of eating apples, enveloped in a rich custard. This comforting dessert evokes nostalgia, often finding its way into family gatherings and holiday feasts. If you’ve never tried your hand at making it, you’re in for a treat.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you add Malvern Pudding to your dessert repertoire? For starters, it’s remarkably versatile and can be enjoyed all year round, whether it’s the crowning glory of a Sunday dinner or a sweet ending to a weeknight meal. This dish is not only indulgent but also utilizes common ingredients you might already have at home, making it budget-friendly. Plus, the delightful texture contrasts of the soft apples and creamy custard create an enticing mouthfeel that will keep your guests coming back for more.

"This Malvern Pudding is pure comfort food! The blend of tart and sweet apples under a creamy custard layer is simply divine. It’s a family favorite in our home!" – a happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Malvern Pudding is easier than you might think. The process involves preparing a flavorful apple base, creating a luscious custard, and then marrying the two for a warm treat that’s baked to golden perfection. You’ll have this comforting dessert ready to enjoy in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pudding:

375 g cooking apples (such as Bramleys)
375 g eating apples (such as russets)
90 g butter (divided; for the apple mixture and roux)
60 g caster sugar (plus extra for topping)
Grated rind of 1 lemon
45 g plain flour (or cornflour for a gluten-free option)
500 ml whole milk
3 large egg yolks
1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or extract)
60 g demerara sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Feel free to mix in other spices or even add a splash of brandy for an adult twist.

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Cooking Steps

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Peel and core the cooking and eating apples, chopping them into small pieces.
In a saucepan, melt 45 g butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped apples, 60 g caster sugar, and the lemon rind. Cook until the apples soften, around 5–7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
In another saucepan, melt the remaining 45 g butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla.
Pour the custard over the apple base. Mix the demerara sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Serving

To enhance your Malvern Pudding experience, consider serving it warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts on top could introduce a delightful crunch. For a hint of elegance, you might also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or a berry compote over the pudding. The combination of temperatures and textures will elevate this humble dessert to new heights.

Best Way to Store Malvern Pudding

To keep your Malvern Pudding fresh longer, allow it to cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days. If you have leftovers and wish to store them for longer, you can freeze the pudding for up to a month. Just be sure to label your container. When reheating, do so gently in the oven to preserve its creamy texture.

Expert Advice

For best results, choose a mix of tart and sweet apples to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. If you’re pressed for time, you can also prepare the apple mixture in advance. Allow the custard to cool slightly before adding the egg yolks, which will prevent them from scrambling. If you want to experiment, try using different types of flavored extracts or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy note.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can try incorporating other flavors by adding a splash of almond extract or a hint of orange zest to the custard. If you want to indulge your guests further, consider layering in some caramel or chocolate sauce between the apples and custard. For those who are mindful of gluten, using cornflour instead of plain flour will still yield a delightful pudding with that same creamy consistency.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Malvern Pudding?
The prep time is about 20 minutes, followed by a baking time of 20 minutes.
Can I substitute the apples?
Absolutely! While Bramleys and russets work perfectly, you can mix in whatever apples you have on hand. Just ensure you balance sweet and tart varieties for the best flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

This Malvern Pudding recipe captures both tradition and comfort, making it a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you share it with family or savor it solo, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Malvern Pudding

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting dessert combining tart and sweet apples enveloped in a rich custard, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

375 g cooking apples (such as Bramleys)
375 g eating apples (such as russets)
90 g butter (divided)
60 g caster sugar (plus extra for topping)
Grated rind of 1 lemon
45 g plain flour (or cornflour for gluten-free option)
500 ml whole milk
3 large egg yolks
1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or extract)
60 g demerara sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Peel and core the cooking and eating apples, chopping them into small pieces.
In a saucepan, melt 45 g butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped apples, 60 g caster sugar, and the lemon rind. Cook until the apples soften, around 5–7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
In another saucepan, melt the remaining 45 g butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla.
Pour the custard over the apple base. Mix the demerara sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Consider adding toasted almonds for crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pudding, dessert, apple, custard, family recipe, comfort food

Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)