Summer Pudding (UK)

Summer Pudding (UK)

Summer Pudding is one of the most beloved British desserts that perfectly captures the essence of summer in every bite. This vibrant dessert is known for its beautiful layers of soft white bread soaked in a rich medley of berries.

It’s simple to make, yet incredibly delicious and refreshing. Often enjoyed as a finale to a summer meal, Summer Pudding is perfect for using the best seasonal fruits when they are at their peak ripeness. With its rich history dating back to the 19th century, it’s a nostalgic treat that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.

The dish’s primary feature is its use of fresh summer berries—usually strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and red currants—that are simmered together with a bit of sugar to create a sweet and tangy compote.

The bread absorbs the berry juices, creating a moist, pudding-like texture that is both light and satisfying. Topped with whipped cream or custard, this pudding is a delightful way to savor the fruits of the season.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 people.

For the Pudding:

• 500g (about 4 cups) mixed summer berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and red currants)
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness depending on the tartness of the berries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the berry flavor)
• 4 slices of white bread (thick slices, ideally a day or two old, crusts removed)
• 2 tablespoons red currant jelly (optional, for added richness and color)
• For the Whipped Cream (optional topping):
• 200ml (¾ cup) heavy or double cream
• 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Serving:

• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
• Additional berries for decoration (optional)

How to Make Summer Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Berry Compote

In a large saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the sugar has dissolved. This should take around 5-10 minutes.

Once the berries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you’d like a smoother compote, you can mash some of the berries with a fork or potato masher to release more juice.

Strain the berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and any skin from the berries, leaving a smooth, syrupy berry compote. If you’re using red currant jelly, stir it in at this point for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

Allow the compote to cool to room temperature, or chill it in the fridge if you prefer the pudding to be served cold.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

While the berry compote is cooling, take the slices of bread and trim off the crusts. If the bread is particularly thick, you can slice it in half horizontally to create thinner slices, which will help it absorb more of the berry juices.

Lightly toast the bread slices on one side to make them firm enough to hold up in the pudding without falling apart. Toasting is optional but helps to create a more structured base for the pudding.

Step 3: Assemble the Pudding

Take a 1-liter (4-cup) pudding basin or a similar-sized bowl and line it with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to fold over the top of the pudding later.

Line the sides and bottom of the basin with the bread slices, ensuring that they are fitted closely together. If you need to cut pieces of bread to fit the shape of your bowl, do so carefully. You want a neat, complete layer to hold the berry compote inside.

Spoon the cooled berry compote into the center of the lined bread. Press the mixture down gently to ensure an even distribution. Pour in the remaining compote until the bowl is filled, making sure it’s generously layered.

Place additional bread slices on top, covering the fruit completely. Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top to seal in the pudding.

Step 4: Chill the Pudding

Place a weight (like a small plate or a heavy can) on top of the pudding to help it set and compact the bread layers.

Refrigerate the pudding for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together and the bread will fully absorb the berry juices.

Step 5: Serve the Summer Pudding

Once the pudding has set, remove it from the fridge. Carefully unfold the plastic wrap and invert the pudding onto a serving plate.

Gently peel off the plastic wrap from the top, revealing the beautifully set Summer Pudding with its deep red berry color.

Serve the Summer Pudding with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or custard. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and extra berries if desired.

Chef’s Notes

Choice of Bread: Traditionally, white bread is used for Summer Pudding, but you can experiment with other types of bread. Brioche or challah can add a richer texture, while whole wheat bread will offer a heartier, more rustic flavor. Just ensure that the bread is firm enough to soak up the berry juice without falling apart.

Berry Variations: Feel free to mix and match your berries depending on availability and personal preference. Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are common choices, but you can also experiment with other summer fruits like cherries or gooseberries.

Making Ahead: Summer Pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It not only benefits from being chilled overnight, but it also gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the berry juices, making it even more flavorful.

Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: To make this dessert vegan or dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based bread without dairy or eggs. You can also make the pudding without whipped cream if preferred.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note, this is an approximation and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Vitamin A: 4% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 35% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
• Iron: 6% of Daily Value

Final Thoughts

Summer Pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings together the best of the season’s fruits in a stunning way. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to play with different berry combinations, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings, barbecues, or picnics.

The combination of juicy berries, soft bread, and creamy toppings makes it both light and indulgent. Whether you serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of custard, Summer Pudding is a perfect dessert to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer.

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