Description
Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert featuring a creamy breadcrumb custard base topped with raspberry jam and a fluffy, golden baked meringue. This comforting pudding combines smooth textures with sweet jam and a crisp meringue crown, perfect served warm with cream or custard.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 500 ml Whole Milk
- 100 g Fresh Breadcrumbs
- 25 g Unsalted Butter
- 50 g Caster Sugar (half divided amount)
- 3 Egg Yolks (from separated eggs)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Jam Layer:
- 3 tbsp Raspberry Jam
Meringue Topping:
- 3 Egg Whites (from separated eggs)
- 50 g Caster Sugar (remaining half)
- A pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease a medium-sized ovenproof dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Breadcrumb Mixture: Warm the whole milk, unsalted butter, and half the sugar together until the butter is melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and fresh breadcrumbs, then let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid. After resting, whisk in the egg yolks thoroughly.
- Pour and Settle: Pour the breadcrumb custard mixture into the prepared dish and allow it to settle evenly.
- Bake Base Layer: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the custard is set. Once baked, remove from the oven and spread the raspberry jam evenly over the warm base layer.
- Prepare Meringue: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining caster sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff and glossy peaks develop.
- Top with Meringue: Spread or pipe the meringue evenly over the raspberry jam layer to cover completely.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown and crisp on top.
- Serve: Serve the Queen of Puddings warm, accompanied by cream or custard for extra richness and comfort.
Notes
- Using fresh breadcrumbs is preferable for the best texture and absorption, but dry breadcrumbs can be used if rehydrated.
- Ensure the egg whites bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue peaks.
- Raspberry jam can be substituted with any berry jam of your choice for a different flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best contrast between the warm custard and crisp meringue topping.
- This dessert can be reheated gently, but the meringue texture is best fresh.
