Queen of Puddings
Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert built in three layers: a baked breadcrumb custard base, a spread of tangy fruit jam, and a toasted meringue topping. The contrast of rich custard, sharp jam, and sweet meringue is what makes it distinctive. Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, including baking and browning the meringue.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Ovenproof dish
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Custard Base:
- 2 cups whole milk preferably organic
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla for best flavor
- 1 medium lemon zest only
- 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs stale bread preferred for texture
- 2 large eggs separated
For the Fruit Layer:
- ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam quality preserves preferred
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- ¼ cup caster sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an ovenproof dish with butter.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk gently over medium heat just until bubbles begin to form at the edges. Do not boil.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Add the breadcrumbs and let them soak and swell in the mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, whisk in the egg yolks. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until set with a slight wobble.
- Warm the jam gently over low heat and spread it evenly over the baked custard base.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, whisking constantly until the meringue is glossy and stiff.
- Spoon the meringue over the jam layer, creating swirls with a spatula. Return to the oven for about 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. The meringue should be a crisp, golden top with a soft white core over the raspberry sweetness and breadcrumb custard.
Notes
Tammy’s Tips:
- For a twist, consider adding a layer of fresh fruit to the jam, like raspberries or sliced strawberries.
- A splash of almond extract in the meringue can add an unexpected depth of flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 214mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 2gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 226IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 154mgIron: 1mg
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