Hasty Pudding Recipe

Hasty Pudding Recipe

This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, combining the sweetness of brown sugar, the crunch of nuts, and the chewy texture of raisins. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • cup white sugar
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • cup chopped nuts
  • cup raisins

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, boiling water, vanilla extract, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well blended. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: In another clean bowl, mix together the white sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, baking powder, chopped nuts, and raisins. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the surface of the brown sugar mixture in the baking dish. Dont worry if it looks uneven it will bake beautifully!

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dessert is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of nuts and raisins with every bite!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount per serving Daily Value*
Calories 226
Total Fat 7g (9%)
Saturated Fat 2g (11%)
Cholesterol 6mg (2%)
Sodium 55mg (2%)
Total Carbohydrate 40g (14%)
Dietary Fiber 1g (5%)
Total Sugars 31g
Protein 3g (6%)
Vitamin C 0mg (0%)
Calcium 58mg (4%)
Iron 1mg (5%)
Potassium 146mg (3%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Hasty Pudding

Hasty pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by generations, particularly in German and American Mennonite communities. It is a simple, comforting dish that consists of a moist cake-like texture with a rich, sweet sauce poured over it. The cake itself is often made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and milk, and it bakes to a satisfying consistency in just under an hour. The pudding is traditionally served warm, topped with a buttery brown sugar sauce and sometimes garnished with raisins or nuts.

History of Hasty Pudding

Hasty pudding dates back to colonial America and has roots in the early English and German culinary traditions. It was a quick and economical dessert made using ingredients that were readily available, especially during hard times. The name "hasty" refers to the speed with which the dish can be prepared, making it an ideal choice for busy homemakers. The dish was common in American homes, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was often served as a special treat at family gatherings and holidays.

Regional Variations

While hasty pudding is a dish that has been beloved in many regions, it is especially popular in Pennsylvania Dutch communities. These settlers, who were largely of German descent, contributed to the regional variation of the dish by incorporating nuts, raisins, and sometimes molasses into the recipe. The pudding's versatility means it can be adjusted to suit local tastes and preferences, whether by adding spices like cinnamon or incorporating fruit for extra sweetness.

How Hasty Pudding Differs from Similar Dishes

Hasty pudding is often compared to other types of puddings, but it differs in its texture and preparation method. Unlike rice pudding or bread pudding, hasty pudding does not rely on eggs or dairy as the primary binding agents. Instead, it is more of a batter-based dessert, where the ingredients combine to form a cake-like consistency during baking. Additionally, it is topped with a simple, syrupy sauce that infuses the cake with sweetness, creating a unique contrast of flavors and textures.

Where Hasty Pudding is Typically Served

Traditionally, hasty pudding is served in family settings, often as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal. It is particularly popular in regions with strong Mennonite or Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, where it may be featured at gatherings or holiday feasts. In modern times, it can be found in some American diners and home-style restaurants that specialize in nostalgic comfort foods.

Interesting Facts About Hasty Pudding

  • Hasty pudding was often served as a "filler" dish during the Great Depression, providing a way to stretch limited ingredients into a satisfying dessert.
  • The dish was also known in colonial America as "Indian pudding," a variation that included cornmeal as a base instead of flour, reflecting early American interactions with Native Americans.
  • In the 18th century, hasty pudding was a popular dessert served at taverns and inns along the early American highways, often accompanied by a glass of cider or ale.
  • The dish's name has influenced other culinary terms, with "hasty" being used in other contexts to describe quick-to-make dishes, such as hasty soup or hasty cake.

FAQ about Hasty Pudding Recipe

Yes, Hasty Pudding can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best results.

Yes, Hasty Pudding can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Yes, you can make Hasty Pudding in advance. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots. If you prefer a non-fruity version, you can omit the raisins entirely or use chopped nuts instead.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar used. If you prefer a less sweet pudding, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or white sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, depending on your preference.

If your Hasty Pudding is too runny, you can try increasing the flour slightly or reducing the amount of liquid used in the recipe. Also, extending the baking time by 10-15 minutes can help thicken the pudding.

Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to enhance the flavor of the Hasty Pudding. Adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or sauce can give it a warm, aromatic flavor.

No, traditional Hasty Pudding contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Yes, you can make Hasty Pudding without nuts. Simply omit the chopped nuts from the recipe, or substitute them with additional raisins or other dried fruits for added texture.

Comments

Samantha Miller

04/26/2024 01:52:44 PM

This dessert is absolutely amazing! I always have all the ingredients in my pantry. I simply boil the water and butter together, mix the sauce in the pan, and use just one pan for the dough. Clean up is so easy! I like to add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to either the sauce or the dough (but not both!) I highly recommend this recipe.

Deborah Perez

06/24/2023 11:11:49 AM

Initially, I was quite disappointed when I first attempted this recipe. However, after making some modifications and giving it another try, I am now thoroughly enjoying it as I write this review. I reduced the amount of water and brown sugar to 1/3 cup each, and added more flour to create a thicker batter. With these changes, I have come to really appreciate this recipe!