Traditional Spotted Dick – UK Dessert
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare the Pudding Bowl
Grease and flour a 1-liter (2-pint) non-stick pudding bowl. For extra protection, stick a small circle of parchment paper to the bottom of the bowl.
Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift the 225g (8oz) plain/all-purpose flour, 10g (2½ tsp) baking powder, 2g (¼ tsp) salt, and 4g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Push any lumps through the sieve with your fingers.
Add Dried Fruit, Sugar, and Suet
Add 170g (6oz) currants, 85g (3oz) caster sugar, and 100g (3½oz) shredded suet (or grated ice-cold butter) to the bowl with the sifted ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Zest
Thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients together with a wooden spoon. Add the zest of one lemon or orange (or both) and mix it in with your fingers. Grate 2g (½ tsp) of fresh nutmeg into the mixture and mix again.
Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Pour in 125ml of milk (full or half fat) and 6ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon handle to bring the mixture together, then switch to a bowl scraper to finish forming a cohesive dough. If the dough is a little sticky, dust it with a little flour.
Transfer Dough to Bowl
Transfer the thoroughly mixed dough into the greased and floured pudding bowl. Gently press it down with your fingers or a spatula to ensure it's evenly distributed.
Cover and Prepare for Steaming
Cut a large circle of parchment paper and create a pleat down the middle to allow for expansion. Place it over the pudding bowl and fasten it securely using food-safe twine or a strong elastic band.
Steam the Pudding
Place the pudding bowl into a steamer base with plenty of water. Ensure the bowl is centered to allow to flow evenly. Put the steamer onto its base on the stove, cover with the lid, and turn the heat down to its lowest possible setting. Gently for . Check the water level after and top up with boiling water if necessary.
Rest and Unmold
Once is complete, carefully remove the steamer from the heat. Lift the pudding bowl out of the steamer using oven gloves or a lifting device and place it on a cutting board or wire rack. Cut the string or elastic band, remove the parchment paper, and let the pudding rest in the bowl for about . Then, turn the pudding out onto the board; it should pop straight out. Peel off the small parchment circle from the bottom.
Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, cut a slice of the Spotted Dick and transfer it onto a serving plate or dessert bowl. Serve immediately with plenty of hot vanilla custard.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 5 swaps
No All-purpose flour?
- White whole wheat flour (1:1)
- 1 cup minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch (cake flour swap)
No Baking powder?
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (per 1 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk (replace some liquid)
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Milk?
- Unsweetened almond / soy / oat milk (1:1)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (per 1 cup)
No Vanilla extract?
- Maple syrup (1:1)
- Vanilla bean: 1 inch scraped (per 1 tsp extract)
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Use other dried fruits orIngredient swap
Use other dried fruits or peels instead of currants.
- For an alternative cooking method without a steamerIngredient swap
Place a saucer at the bottom of a large pan to prevent the bowl from being directly in contact with heat. Put the bowl on the saucer, add boiling water to just over halfway up the bowl, and simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
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