Steaming Pudding Perfection: Microwave Style

Steamed pudding is a delicious dessert, but it can take hours to cook. However, you can make it in the microwave in under 10 minutes! Here's a simple guide on how to cook steamed pudding in the microwave, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more scrumptious. This method is perfect for when you're short on time but craving a sweet treat. So, get ready to indulge in a warm and comforting steamed pudding without the long wait!

Preparing the ingredients

Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients, which typically include butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a sweet topping such as golden syrup, maple syrup, or jam. You will also need a microwave-safe dish or bowl, preferably a 1-pint pudding basin or a similar-sized bowl.

Before you begin mixing the ingredients, it is essential to prepare your bowl by greasing it with butter or vegetable oil. This step ensures that your pudding doesn't stick to the bowl. You can use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of butter or oil evenly. Once the bowl is greased, add a tablespoon of flour and shake it around to coat the bottom and sides of the bowl. Discard any excess flour.

Now, it's time to start mixing your ingredients. Place your chosen sweet topping, such as golden syrup or jam, at the bottom of your greased bowl. This step ensures that your pudding has a delicious, sticky base. You can warm the syrup slightly to make it easier to pour and distribute evenly.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Cream them together until they are well blended and have a pale, fluffy consistency. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter and fluffier pudding.

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, it's time to add the eggs. Break the eggs into a small bowl, one at a time, and whisk them before adding them to the butter-sugar mixture. Adding the eggs gradually helps to create a smooth and well-combined batter. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or essence at this stage for extra flavour.

After all the wet ingredients are combined, it's now time to incorporate the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with any additional ingredients like baking powder or cocoa powder. Stir them together to ensure they are well distributed. Then, using a large metal spoon or a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can make your pudding tough.

Your steamed pudding batter is now ready! The final step in preparing the ingredients is to transfer the batter to your prepared pudding basin. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture onto the syrup or jam in the basin, spreading it evenly.

With these steps, you will have perfectly prepared ingredients for your microwave steamed pudding. Now, you are ready to move on to the cooking process.

Mixing the batter

First, prepare your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but typically, you will need flour, sugar, butter or margarine, eggs, and milk. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as vanilla essence or baking powder. It is important to use room temperature ingredients, especially when it comes to the butter and eggs, as this will ensure they mix together smoothly.

Next, prepare your mixing bowls and utensils. You will need a large bowl for mixing the batter, as well as a separate small bowl for whisking the eggs. If you are using an electric mixer, make sure it is set up and ready to go.

Now, it's time to start mixing! Begin by adding the butter and sugar to your large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to cream them together until they are well combined and have a light, fluffy consistency. This step is important as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, creating a lighter and fluffier pudding.

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, it's time to add the eggs. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, and then gradually add them to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to add the eggs too quickly, as this can cause the mixture to curdle. If you are using vanilla essence, you can add it at this stage as well.

After the eggs are incorporated, it's time to add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and any additional dry ingredients, such as baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding it in with a large metal spoon or rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the gluten in the flour to toughen, resulting in a dense and rubbery pudding.

Finally, once all the ingredients are combined, give the batter a final stir to ensure there are no lumps. The batter should have a thick, smooth consistency. If it seems too thick, you can add a small amount of milk to thin it out.

And that's it! You now have a delicious steamed pudding batter ready to be cooked in the microwave. Simply follow the remaining instructions from your chosen recipe, and you'll be enjoying a warm and comforting pudding in no time.

Cooking the pudding

Firstly, grease your microwave pudding bowl or basin with butter or vegetable oil. You can use a pastry brush to grease the bowl. Then, add a tablespoon of flour and shake it around the bowl, discarding any excess.

Next, add the golden syrup to the bottom of the bowl. If you are using jam or lemon curd, you can add this instead.

Now, it's time to make the batter. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. If you are using milk, add this now. Keep beating until the mixture is smooth. If you are making a self-saucing pudding, dissolve the golden syrup in boiling water and pour this over the top of the batter.

Once your batter is ready, spoon it into the pudding basin. Cover the top with cling film.

Microwave the pudding on high for around 6-8 minutes. You can then remove the cling film and cook for a further 2 minutes.

After removing the pudding from the microwave, leave it to stand for 2 minutes. Then, place a plate with a lip over the basin and invert it, so the pudding sits on the plate and the syrup cascades over the sides.

Your steamed pudding is now ready to serve!

Removing from the microwave

Once your steamed pudding is cooked, it's time to remove it from the microwave. But it's important to be careful when doing so, as there will be hot steam. Use oven gloves or pot holders to protect your hands when handling the bowl.

If you've used cling film to cover your pudding, pierce it to release the steam before removing it. This will prevent the steam from escaping too quickly and causing burns. Slowly and carefully, lift the cling film away from the bowl, allowing the steam to escape.

Now, it's time to turn out your pudding onto a plate. Place a rimmed plate over the bowl and invert it, being careful not to spill the hot syrup. The pudding will sit on the plate, and the hot syrup will cascade over the sides—a glorious sight!

Let the pudding rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This will ensure that it's not too hot when you dig in. And there you have it—a delicious, steamed pudding cooked in the microwave!

Serving suggestions

Steamed puddings are often served with custard. For a lighter option, serve with whipped cream or single cream. For an indulgent treat, add a scoop of ice cream.

If you're serving a chocolate steamed pudding, you could pour over a decadent chocolate sauce. For a fruity pudding, a fruit sauce will complement the dessert well.

If you're looking for a boozy kick, a rum and raisin pudding will do the trick. For a Christmas-themed dessert, a light and fruity pudding laced with passion fruit and Cointreau will go down a treat.

For a traditional steamed pudding, a crusty steamed suet pastry which encases a whole lemon, butter, and sugar is a classic option.

For a healthier option, a sponge pudding made with yogurt instead of butter is lower in calories and fat.

Frequently asked questions