18 Apr 2025
Cook time 90 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup self-raising flour
Lemon steamed pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the tanginess of lemon with the light, fluffy texture of a steamed pudding. It's a perfect treat for any occasion and remarkably simple to prepare. Using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe creates a delightful dessert that will surely impress your family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Steaming Setup:
- Find a large saucepan that can fit your pudding basin with a lid on top. Ensure there's enough space for steam to circulate around the basin.
- Place a trivet or an upturned heatproof saucer inside the saucepan to keep the pudding basin elevated above the water level.
2. Prepare the Pudding Basin:
- Grease the inside of your pudding basin or heatproof bowl with butter, and if desired, line the bottom with a round piece of baking paper for easy release later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to keep the mixture smooth and well-emulsified.
5. Incorporate the Flour:
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can result in a dense pudding.
6. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:
- Fold in the zest and juice of 1 lemon until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare for Steaming:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pudding basin. Level the top with a spatula.
- If your pudding basin has a lid, place it on. If not, cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil, ensuring it is attached securely around the edges of the basin to trap the steam inside.
8. Steam the Pudding:
- Place the covered pudding basin on the trivet or upturned saucer inside your large saucepan.
- Pour hot water into the saucepan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pudding basin.
- Cover the saucepan with its lid and bring the water to a gentle simmer.
9. Steaming Time:
- Steam the pudding for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the water level stays halfway up the side of the bowl, adding more hot water if necessary.
10. Check for Doneness:
- The pudding is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If not fully cooked, continue steaming and check again after 10-15 minutes.
11. Serving the Pudding:
- Once done, carefully remove the basin from the saucepan and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the pudding, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
12. Enjoy:
- Serve the Lemon Steamed Pudding warm, perhaps with a dollop of cream, custard, or a drizzle of lemon syrup for extra zing.
Tips:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy, as this will add air to your pudding batter and ensure a lighter texture.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Cover your pudding basin tightly with foil to keep the steam from getting in and making the pudding soggy.
- Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before turning it out of the basin to avoid breaking.
- Serve with a simple lemon sauce or custard to complement the pudding's flavor.
Once you’ve tried this lemon steamed pudding, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Its zesty lemon flavor and moist, tender texture make it an irresistible treat. Serve it warm with a drizzle of lemon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience. Enjoy the smiles and compliments from your guests as they savor every bite.