Summer Pudding Recipe with Sponge Fingers

Introduction

Summer is the perfect season for fresh and delicious desserts, and what better way to enjoy it than with a refreshing summer pudding? This classic British dessert is a mix of seasonal berries and sponge fingers, soaked in a sweet and tangy syrup. In this article, we will share with you an easy summer pudding recipe with sponge fingers that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

300g of mixed summer berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
100g of caster sugar
6 sponge fingers
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
300ml of water
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Method

Follow these easy steps to make a delicious summer pudding with sponge fingers:

Wash the berries and place them in a saucepan with the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until the berries have softened and the syrup has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Line a 500g pudding basin with the sponge fingers, making sure they cover the bottom and sides of the basin.
Pour the berry mixture into the lined basin, making sure it fills all the gaps and covers the sponge fingers.
Place a piece of cling film over the top of the basin and weigh it down with a heavy object, such as a can of beans. This will help the pudding set and compress the berries.
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until it has set and the sponge fingers have absorbed the syrup.
To serve, remove the cling film and invert the pudding onto a plate. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make this summer pudding recipe with sponge fingers even more delicious:

Try using different types of berries, such as cherries, red currants, or gooseberries, to add more flavor and color to your pudding.
You can substitute the sponge fingers for slices of pound cake, brioche, or ladyfingers for a different texture and taste.
Add a splash of alcohol, such as brandy, sherry, or port, to the berry mixture for an extra kick.
If you don’t have a pudding basin, you can use a round cake tin or individual ramekins instead.
Make sure you press down on the pudding with a weight, as this will help the berries set and create a beautiful pattern on the pudding’s surface.
You can also decorate the pudding with fresh berries and mint leaves for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this summer pudding recipe with sponge fingers and that you will try it at home. This easy and refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a fancy dinner party. With its mix of tangy berries and sweet syrup, it will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So go ahead and give it a try!