Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)

Easy Traditional Malvern Pudding Recipe: Custard Apple Delight

Malvern Pudding, also known as Custard Apple Pudding, is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart apple flavors with a creamy custard. This classic recipe showcases the best of both cooking and eating apples, creating a comforting treat that’s rich, smooth, and slightly spiced with cinnamon. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy finish to a dinner, it brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Many people are drawn to this recipe for its simplicity and the memorable taste of apples mingled with creamy custard, making it a beloved classic.

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Estimated Calories: 320 per serving

Ingredients

  • 375 g cooking apples (such as Bramleys) / 13.2 oz cooking apples
  • 375 g eating apples (such as russets) / 13.2 oz eating apples
  • 90 g butter (divided) / 3.2 oz butter
  • 60 g caster sugar (plus extra for topping) / 2.1 oz caster sugar
  • Grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 45 g plain flour (or cornflour) / 1.6 oz plain flour
  • 500 ml whole milk / 2.1 cups whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 60 g demerara sugar / 2.1 oz demerara sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Peel and core both types of apples. Chop them into small pieces.
  3. In a saucepan, melt 45 g of butter over medium heat.
  4. Add the chopped apples, 60 g of caster sugar, and lemon rind to the saucepan.
  5. Cook the mixture until the apples soften, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Transfer the cooked apples to a baking dish.
  7. In another saucepan, melt the remaining 45 g of butter over low heat.
  8. Stir in the flour to create a roux.
  9. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then cook until slightly thickened.
  10. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla.
  11. Pour the custard mixture over the apple base in the baking dish.
  12. Mix the demerara sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it on top.
  13. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Why This Recipe is Popular

People love searching for Malvern Pudding because it’s a nostalgic dessert that evokes memories of comforting family meals. Its simple preparation and traditional flavors make it a go-to for home cooks looking to recreate the taste of childhood or impress guests with a classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Malvern Pudding is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a delightful treat for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or a comforting evening dessert.

Tips and Variations

  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Texture: For a creamier custard, adjust the cooking time of the milk mixture until it’s slightly thicker.
  • Flavor Ideas: For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
  • Apple Variations: Feel free to mix different apple varieties based on your preference.
  • Serving Tip: Heat individual portions in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.

FAQs

1. Can I make Malvern Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. What types of apples work best?
Using a mix of tart cooking apples and sweet eating apples enhances the flavor.

3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend or cornflour.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for demerara sugar for a richer flavor.

If you love the idea of a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, give this Malvern Pudding recipe a try! It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. You won’t regret making this cozy, sweet treat!