Treacle pudding might sound familiar to those whose childhood consisted of all things Harry Potter. I remember waking up very, very early one Christmas and finding the newest Harry Potter Gameboy game under the tree, which I subsequently played and replayed until the sun rose and everyone woke up. Those were the days.
This treacle pudding recipe makes a sponge-y, lightly-sweet, citrus-y cake. I substituted molasses in place of golden syrup because it was what I had at home, but the flavor didn't match well, so I would definitely search for golden syrup in the grocery store the next time I make this. Still, I absolutely adore the subtle citrus and the cake's light texture, and I can imagine serving this with fresh fruit in the summer.
treacle pudding
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/3 cup golden syrup
3 tbs white granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
5 tbs butter, room temperature
1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
1 tsp lemon zest
3 tsp lemon juice
a little bit of magic
Yields a "small" bowl's worth, 6 small slices
Cream the butter, sugar, 2 tbs molasses, eggs, and lemon zest/juice. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt. Alternate adding this dry mixture and 1/2 cup milk into the first mixture.
To start the steaming process, grease the bowl; then, pour the 1/3 cup golden syrup in the bottom before pouring in the batter. Wrap the bowl in aluminum foil. Place some form of a trivet (I used a cooling rack) into the pot and add water until the water level reaches to about half the bowl. Bring water to a boil. Steam for ~1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve with more golden syrup.
My family couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that although this is called "treacle pudding", it's absolutely not the creamy pudding that comes in little plastic containers. Some internet sleuthing revealed that "pudding" is a general British term for dessert. However, there are savory puddings, too - like Yorkshire pudding. Yum.
Have a magical holiday!
