Malvern Apple Custard Pudding with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
Malvern Pudding is a classic English dessert featuring a delightful combination of tender baked apples and a creamy vanilla custard. This rich pudding is topped with caramelized brown sugar for a crunchy finish, making it a perfect comforting treat served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Bramley)
Custard
- 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening)
Topping
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them evenly at the bottom of a buttered 8-inch square or similar baking dish. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the apples and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, full-fat milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. If a thicker custard is desired, add the optional tablespoon of flour and whisk until fully combined.
- Assemble the Pudding: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish on the counter to allow the custard to settle around and through the apple slices.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the custard is set and develops a golden brown color on top.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Approximately 5 minutes before the end of the baking time, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the pudding’s surface. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the brown sugar has melted and caramelized, creating a crispy topping.
- Serve: Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using tart apples such as Granny Smith or Bramley helps balance the sweetness of the custard and caramel topping.
- The optional flour helps to thicken the custard if desired, especially if a firmer texture is preferred.
- Be careful when caramelizing the brown sugar to prevent burning; watch closely during the final 5 minutes of baking.
- This pudding is best served warm but can be gently reheated if needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk, and use a vegan butter alternative.
Keywords: Malvern pudding, English dessert, baked apple pudding, custard dessert, caramelized sugar dessert, traditional British pudding
