jam sponge

Steamed jam sponge pudding is a true classic in the world of British desserts. It's easy to make and delivers an immensely comforting sweet and sticky dessert that is perfectly complemented by a generous drizzle of custard or cream.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Prepare the pudding basin by greasing the inside well with butter.

Step 2

Put a full kettle of water on to boil.

Step 3

Sift the flour and baking powder together.

Step 4

Cream the butter and sugar using electric beaters until pale and fluffy.

Step 5

Beat in one egg.

Step 6

Briefly beat in 1 tablespoon of flour (this stops the batter from splitting).

Step 7

Mix in the second egg, ¼ of the jam and the vanilla extract.

Step 8

Fold in the remaining flour using a large metal spoon. Keep mixing until the batter is just smooth and no streaks of flour remain.

Step 9

Put another ¼ of jam in the bottom of the pudding basin.

Step 10

Transfer the batter to the pudding basin.

Step 11

Cover with pleated greaseproof paper and foil and tie tightly with string to create a watertight seal. Trim the foil and parchment so that they come less than halfway down the side of the basin.

Step 12

Put a trivet into the base of your saucepan and place the pudding basin on the top then carefully pour the freshly boiled water into the pan until it comes halfway up the side of the pudding basin.

Step 13

Place on the stovetop and cook using gentle heat, allowing the water to barely simmer, for 1 hr 45 minutes. Top up the water if necessary.

Step 14

At the end of the cooking time check that the pudding is fully cooked (a skwer should come out clean). Once it is ready remove from the heat then carefully remove the foil and parchment. Turn the pudding out of the basin onto a plate.

Step 15

Warm the remaining jam and spoon over the top of the pudding then serve immediately.