I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding. I was in my tiny apartment kitchen, struggling to make anything edible, when I stumbled upon this recipe. The smell of baked apples and buttery sponge filled the room and for a moment, I felt like I was in one of those cozy, rustic English kitchens you see on TV. It was warm, comforting, and honestly, a little magical.
- This dessert is perfect for cold nights.
- It’s a classic British pudding that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Sweet, soft sponge meets tender apples in a way that’s hard to resist.
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding Recipe
I have to admit, what drew me to Jamie Oliver’s version was its simplicity. He takes an old-school favorite and makes it approachable without losing the soul of the dessert.
- The pudding is fluffy and light.
- Apples are baked until meltingly soft.
- It’s topped with a golden sponge that soaks up all the apple juices.
- Great served warm with cream or custard.
Ingredients Needed
I always love walking through the ingredients before starting. There’s something comforting about seeing everything laid out. Here’s what you need:
- 4 large cooking apples (like Bramley or Granny Smith)
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 150g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Icing sugar to dust (optional)
- For serving: custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream
When I first gathered these, it felt like collecting treasures. Each ingredient has a role, and the apples are definitely the star.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Sponge Pudding
I love telling the story of actually making this pudding. The process is soothing and a little ritualistic.
- Preheat and prep – Heat the oven to 180°C. Grease a deep pudding dish.
- Prepare apples – Peel, core, and slice them. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon if you like.
- Make sponge batter – Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt gently.
- Layer pudding – Place apples at the bottom of the dish. Spread sponge batter over the top. Smooth with a spatula.
- Bake – 35-40 minutes until golden and springy. A skewer should come out clean from the sponge.
- Serve – Dust with icing sugar. Pour warm custard or cream over it.
I still remember the first time I lifted that pudding out of the oven. Steam billowed up and the smell was unforgettable.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s real science behind why this pudding works so well.
- Apples – Contain pectin which naturally thickens the juices, making them perfect for pudding.
- Butter – Adds flavor and moisture, keeps sponge tender.
- Eggs – Provide structure, trap air, and help the sponge rise.
- Self-raising flour – Contains baking powder, so you don’t need extra leavening for the sponge.
Understanding these elements makes you a smarter baker. For instance, using overly wet apples can make the sponge soggy, so choosing firm, tart apples is key.
Expert Tips
Here’s what I’ve learned after making this pudding dozens of times:
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smoother batter.
- Slice apples evenly so the pudding cooks uniformly.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the sponge light.
- If you like extra flavor, a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of nutmeg works wonders.
- Let the pudding rest 5 minutes before serving; it makes cutting easier.
I once skipped the resting step and the pudding collapsed a little. Lesson learned the hard way!
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s recipe is versatile, and I love experimenting.
- Caramel Apple Twist – Drizzle caramel over apples before topping with sponge.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the sponge for texture.
- Berry Mix – Mix in blueberries or raspberries with apples.
- Spiced Up – Add ginger or nutmeg for a warming flavor profile.
I like trying one new variation each winter. It keeps the dessert feeling fresh and exciting.
Final Words
Baking this pudding is more than making dessert. It’s an experience. Every time I serve it, friends smile before tasting. There’s a comfort and nostalgia in it that makes you pause and enjoy the moment.
- Warm, comforting, and simple.
- Flexible recipe you can tweak.
- Perfect for family dinners or solo indulgence.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Fruit Instead Of Apples?
Yes, you can swap apples for pears or mixed berries for a twist.
How Can I Make The Pudding More Moist?
Try adding a little extra butter or use a splash of milk in the sponge mixture.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.