Spotted Dick Recipe (Custard’s Constant Companion)

Hey there, foodie friends! It’s Austin here, coming at you from Beyond the Bayou Blog with another tasty treat straight from my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share a classic British dessert that’s sure to make your taste buds dance: Spotted Dick.

Even I was a bit confused with its meaning when I had this first time at one of my friends’ home but trust me its taste blew away all my confusion and filled me with love for this traditional recipe. The very next moment, I was crazy to get its recipe.

Luckily, my friend gave me a brief of it and here today we are recreating that dish with the hope that it will turn best out of my expectations. Let’s just begin learning this recipe to impress your whole family.

For more such custard recipes try our Blueberry Custard Cake and Grapefruit Custard Pie.

What Is Spotted Dick?

Despite its unusual name, spotted dick is a delicious and subtly sweet steamed British dessert bread that your entire family will love. The name comes from its ingredients, primarily dried currants, which create the characteristic spots, and an older English term for pudding: puddick.

While in the U.S., “pudding” usually refers to a thick, custard-like dessert, in the U.K., puddings are boiled or steamed desserts made with flour. When preparing spotted dick, expect the latter.

What Are Some Options to Bake Spotted Dick?

• For steaming, use a steamer for 60 to 90 minutes or place a saucer in a large saucepan, setting the covered pudding basin on top. Fill the saucepan with boiling water halfway up the side of the pudding basin and cover it.
• To bake in the oven, preheat to 220�C/fan 200�C/Gas Mark 6. Fill a baking tray with water and place it at the bottom of the oven. Cover this traditional spotted dick with foil and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
• For a quick fix, microwave the spotted dick in a microwave-safe bowl covered with cling film, leaving a gap for steam to escape. Cook for 5 minutes on full power, then let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

However, for the best results and to honor this marvelous steamed pudding, I highly recommend sticking to the traditional steaming method if you have the time.

How To Cook Spotted Dick?

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mix

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. Combine 1 cup of flour and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Rub 4 tablespoons of diced butter into the flour mixture either by hand or by pulsing in a food processor until it resembles breadcrumbs. Still, it is up to you to use a food processor.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Texture

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of currants to the flour mixture. You can also use raisins for the dough.
2. Mix everything together, then gradually add 3/4 cup of milk and mix, until you reach the desired texture. You can add more milk if needed a moist dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. Generously Grease a pudding basin with butter or cooking spray. You can use a heatproof bowl or even a ceramic dish as long as it’s deep enough to hold the mixture and able to steam.
2. Line the greased basin with baking parchment to prevent the sticking of this traditional spotted dick.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pudding

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. Spoon the pudding mix into the lined basin, spreading it evenly.
2. Cover the basin with baking parchment and foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed for steam.
3. Secure the foil by tying it with kitchen string around the rim of the basin.

Step 5: Cook the Pudding

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. Place the sealed pudding basin on a trivet inside a large pot.
2. Fill this large pot with boiling water, making sure the water level reaches about a third of the way up the side of the basin.
3. Simmer the pudding covered for 2 hours over low heat, checking occasionally and topping up the water if it evaporates too much.

Step 6: Serve the Pudding

Image Source: YouTube (Culinary Exploration)

1. After 2 hours, carefully remove the pudding basin from the pot.
2. Run a palette knife around the edge of the cooked spotted dick pudding to loosen it.
3. Invert the pudding onto a plate, peeling off the baking parchment.
4. Serve the cooked pudding warm, accompanied by a generous serving of custard sauce.

You May Love These Variations!

1. Fruity Twist: Experiment with different dried fruits such as currants, raisins, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots for a variation in flavor and texture. You can also try adding a splash of orange or apple juice for an extra fruity kick.
2. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the flour mixture for a warm and aromatic twist. These spices complement the sweetness of the dessert beautifully and add depth to the flavor profile.
3. Boozy Boost: For a more indulgent version, soak the dried fruit in rum, brandy, or whiskey before adding them to the mixture. This adds a rich depth of flavor and a subtle boozy kick to the spotted dick.
4. Nutty Addition: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a delightful aroma to the dish the same way.
5. Citrus Zing: Experiment with different citrus zests such as orange or lime in place of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. Lemon zest adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Chocolate Indulgence: For all the chocolate lovers out there, fold some chocolate chips or chunks into the mixture for a decadent chocolatey variation. Serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

These variations will add a unique twist to the classic spotted dick recipe, elevating it to new levels of deliciousness while still maintaining its comforting and nostalgic appeal. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Spotted Dick?

• Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream
• Praline Sauce�
• Caramel Apple Butter Ice Cream
• Butter Pecan Ice Cream
• Jam Cake

Manage Leftovers with These Tips!

Storage:

• Once cooled completely, store any leftover spotted dick in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it.
• Wrap the individual slices or the whole pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To reheat leftover spotted dick, you can either microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through, or you can steam them again for a few minutes until warm.
• If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods mentioned above.