🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Dessert
Traditional Steamed Treacle Sponge Pudding with Custard
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
🇬🇧 UKA quintessential British comfort dessert, this light and airy steamed sponge pudding is generously laced with golden treacle, creating a wonderfully moist texture and sweet, comforting flavour. Traditionally served warm with lashings of creamy custard, it's perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the pudding basin: Generously grease a 1.2-litre (2-pint) pudding basin with 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour 4 tablespoons of golden treacle into the base of the basin, spreading it evenly. You can add a thin slice of lemon zest for extra aroma, if desired.
- 2
Create the sponge batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together 125g softened butter and 125g caster sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture looks like it's curdling, add a spoonful of flour.
- 3
Combine wet and dry: Sift 175g self-raising flour into the creamed mixture, then gently fold it in along with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sponge tough. The batter should be a soft, dropping consistency.
- 4
Assemble and cover the pudding: Carefully spoon the sponge batter over the treacle in the prepared basin, smoothing the top gently. Cut a piece of baking parchment and a piece of foil, both large enough to cover the top of the basin with an overhang. Fold a pleat in the centre of both, then place the parchment directly onto the basin, followed by the foil. Secure tightly with string.
- 5
Prepare for steaming: Place a trivet or an upturned saucer at the bottom of a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Carefully lower the pudding basin onto the trivet. Pour boiling water into the saucepan until it comes halfway up the sides of the pudding basin.
- 6
Steam the pudding: Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then cover the saucepan tightly with its lid. Steam the pudding for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking the water level periodically and topping up with more boiling water if needed. The pudding is cooked when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- 7
Make the custard: While the pudding is steaming, prepare your favourite vanilla custard. Heat 500ml milk with 1 vanilla pod (or 1 tsp vanilla extract) in a saucepan. Whisk 3 egg yolks with 50g caster sugar and 20g cornflour until pale. Gradually whisk in the hot milk, then return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
- 8
Serve the pudding: Carefully remove the pudding basin from the saucepan. Undo the string and remove the foil and parchment. Place a warm serving plate upside down over the basin, then carefully invert them together to turn out the pudding. Slice generously and serve immediately with the warm vanilla custard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the treacle sponge pudding is perfectly steamed?+
The pudding is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. For a 1.5-2 liter basin, this typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of steaming.
Can I substitute golden syrup for treacle, and how does it affect the pudding?+
Yes, you can substitute golden syrup for treacle, though it will result in a slightly lighter color and milder, less robust caramel flavor in the pudding. Treacle provides a deeper, bittersweet molasses note.
How can I prevent the custard from becoming lumpy or curdling?+
To prevent lumpy or curdled custard, whisk constantly while heating and ensure it never boils vigorously. If it starts to thicken too quickly, remove it from the heat immediately and continue whisking.
What's the best way to steam the pudding without a dedicated steamer?+
You can steam the pudding in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Place an upturned heatproof saucer or trivet at the bottom, add boiling water halfway up the sides of the pudding basin, and replenish water as needed to prevent it from boiling dry.
🇬🇧 UKMundo Match
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