Spotted Dick
A classic British steamed suet pudding, dotted with dried currants and traditionally served with custard. This comforting dessert is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for a cozy evening.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 20 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain gluten and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 250 gself-rising flour
- 125 gshredded suet
- 100 gcurrant
- 50 gcaster sugar
- 1 pcslemon, zested
- 150 mlmilk
for greasing
- 1 tbspbutter, softened
Equipment
pudding basin · string · mixing bowl · knife · large pot with lid
The method
Step by step
- 1
Grease a 1.2-litre pudding basin with butter and set aside.
About 1 min
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, shredded suet, currants, caster sugar, and lemon zest.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
- 3
Gradually add the milk, mixing with a knife or your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Avoid overworking the dough to keep the pudding light.
- 4
Press the dough into the prepared pudding basin, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
About 2 min
- 5
Cut a circle of baking parchment and then a circle of foil, both larger than the top of the basin.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The foil should be large enough to create a pleat in the middle.
- 6
Place the baking parchment directly on top of the dough in the basin, then cover with the foil, making a pleat in the center of the foil to allow for expansion.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Secure the foil tightly around the rim of the basin with string.
- 7
Place the pudding basin in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
About 1 min
- 8
Pour boiling water into the pot until it comes about two-thirds of the way up the side of the pudding basin.
About 1 min
- 9
Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and steam for 2 hours, topping up with hot water as needed.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Ensure the water never boils dry.
- 10
Carefully remove the pudding basin from the pot and let it stand for 5 minutes.
About 5 min
- 11
Remove the foil and parchment, then invert the pudding onto a serving plate.
About 1 min
- 12
Slice and serve warm, ideally with hot custard.
Keep it good
Store leftover Spotted Dick in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or by steaming again until warmed through.
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