Eve’s pudding is a classic British dessert that consists of a layer of cooked apples topped with a sponge cake batter. It’s also known as Mother’s Eve’s Pudding or apple Charlotte. The name comes from the biblical story of Eve tempting Adam with an apple in the Garden of Eden.
This recipe is based on the one by the Hairy Bikers, the popular TV chefs and cookbook authors. They are known for their hearty and delicious dishes that celebrate British cuisine and culture. Their version of Eve’s pudding is simple and easy to make, but also rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy winter evening or a special occasion.
What is Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding?
Hairy Bikers Eve’s pudding is a variation of a traditional British dessert that consists of a layer of cooked apples topped with a sponge cake batter. It’s named after the TV chefs and cookbook authors who created this recipe, the Hairy Bikers. They are known for their hearty and delicious dishes that celebrate British cuisine and culture.
Why You Love this Recipe
- Quick, easy dessert using simple ingredients
- Perfect for using up leftover apples
- Deliciously comforting and nostalgic
- A lovely combination of soft sponge and sweet-tart apples
- Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights in
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
You will need the following ingredients for this recipe:
For the filling:
- 450g/1lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 15g/1/2oz butter
- 85g/3oz sugar
- ½ lemon, juice and zest
For the topping:
- 115g/4oz flour
- pinch of salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 55g/2oz butter softened
- 55g/2oz sugar
- 1 free-range egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Equipment
You will need a saucepan, a mixing bowl, an electric beater, a metal spoon, a pie dish, and an oven.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
Here are the main steps to make this recipe:
Step 2: Cook the apples
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. For the filling, place the apples, butter, sugar lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan with a little water and cook gently until the apples have softened. This should take about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent the mixture from burning or sticking.
Step 3: Make the batter
For the topping, sieve the flour together with a pinch of salt and the baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric beater until very soft and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Then lightly fold in the flour with a metal spoon. Add a little milk if the mixture is too stiff. It should have a dropping consistency, meaning that it falls off the spoon easily when tapped.
Step 4: Assemble and bake the pudding
Put the apple mixture in the bottom of a pie dish, packing the apples down to provide a firm base for the topping. This helps it rise evenly during baking. Pour the batter over the apples and gently even out with the back of the spoon. Bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden-brown and cooked through. You can test it by inserting a skewer or a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the pudding is done.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving. You can serve it hot or warm, with custard, cream, ice cream, or whipped cream. Enjoy the contrast between the soft and moist cake and the tangy and sweet apples. This pudding is best eaten on the same day, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding?
- Custard – Adds creaminess and accentuates flavors
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy contrast to the pudding
- Ice cream – A cold and creamy complement
- Nutmeg or cinnamon – Extra spice and aroma
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding
Here are some pro tips to make perfect Hairy Bikers Eve’s pudding:
- Use cooking apples, such as Bramley, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious, for the filling. They have a firm texture and a sour taste that will balance the sweetness of the topping.
- Cut the apples into thin and even slices to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Add some lemon juice and zest to the apple mixture to enhance the flavor and prevent browning.
- Pack the apples down firmly in the pie dish to provide a solid base for the topping. This will help the topping rise evenly and not sink into the apples.
- Sieve the flour before adding it to the topping mixture to avoid lumps and make the batter lighter and fluffier.
- Cream the butter and sugar well until very soft and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the batter and make it rise better.
- Fold the flour gently into the butter and sugar mixture with a metal spoon. Do not overmix or beat the batter, as this will knock out the air and make the topping dense and heavy.
- Adjust the consistency of the batter with a little milk if needed. It should have a dropping consistency, meaning that it falls off the spoon easily when tapped.
- Bake the pudding in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. You can test it by inserting a skewer or a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the pudding is done.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers of Hairy Bikers Eve’s pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure the pudding is completely cooled before storing it.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding Leftovers?
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through.
- Oven: Transfer pudding to an oven-safe baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 180C/350F/Gas 4 for 15-20 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Place pudding in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to prevent sticking. Gently heat through.
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Final Words
Eve’s pudding is a delicious and easy dessert that you can make with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a great way to use up any apples you have lying around and enjoy a comforting and satisfying treat. The Hairy Bikers recipe is one of the best versions of this classic dish, as it has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture. Try it today and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
