Eve’s pudding (apple sponge pudding)

Eve’s pudding, or apple sponge pudding is a classic British dessert. A delicious layer of stewed apples topped with a light sponge cake it’s the perfect autumnal dessert.

Eve’s pudding, or apple sponge pudding is a classic autumnal dessert. A layer of stewed apples topped with a delicious light sponge, it makes a great alternative to an apple crumble when you’ve got some leftover apples to use up.

We love a good crumble in our house, but this apple sponge pudding makes a delicious change if you’ve had your fill of crumbles. If you use a tart apple, the stewed apple layer contrasts beautifully with the sweet sponge layer. It really is a delicious autumnal dessert.

How can kids help to make Eve’s pudding?

This is a great easy dessert that kids can help with. As well as helping to make the sponge, which is similar to making a cake, meaning they can help measure and mix all the ingredients together. We’ve used the all-in-one method which means you save on time and mess.

If you have slightly older kids they can also help to prepare the apples. They could perhaps help to peel and core the apples, or if that’s a bit too hard, get them to help cut them into smaller chunks. It’s a great job to allow them to practice their knife skills as it doesn’t matter too much if all the apple pieces aren’t exactly the same size.

Can you make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Eve’s Pudding in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve it.

How do you store Eve’s pudding?

You can keep the pudding in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container. Reheat it on a medium heat in the oven before serving it.

What apples should I use in an apple sponge pudding?

Firmer apples like Bramley or Granny Smith apples work best as they hold their shape a bit better during cooking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet sponge pudding. You can however use any apple you like. It’s also a great recipe for using up a glut of eating apples from your garden if you have some.

What’s baking spread?

Baking spread or margarine, (Stork being a well known brand), is just a non dairy margarine that’s perfect for baking. It can make cakes and cupcakes lighter and fluffier than if you use butter, which means it’s a great, cheaper alternative.

What can I use instead of self raising flour?

If you don’t have any self raising flour, (which can be found in UK supermarkets), simply swap it for an equal amount of plain or all-purpose flour and add a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

What is the best type of baking dish to use for this dessert?

You need to use a deep, ovenproof dish like a ceramic or glass baking dish for an apple sponge pudding. Make sure it has enough capacity to hold both the apple and sponge layers comfortably. The one we used is approximately 26cm (10 inches) square.

Can I use other fruits besides apples for this recipe?

While apples are the traditional choice for Eve’s pudding, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, or rhubarb, or even use a a combination of berries for a delicious twist on the classic dessert.

Apple sponge pudding (Eve’s pudding) in a baking dish.

Similar recipes

If you liked this apple sponge pudding and have some more apples to use up why not try one of these recipes:

Apple cake
Blueberry and apple muffins
Apple pinwheels
Caramel apple crumble
Apple cinnamon muffins
Apple and blackberry crumble
Caramel apple cinnamon rolls
Plum and apple crumble
Apple flapjacks
Caramel apple loaf
Apple turnovers
Peach cobbler
No bake key lime pie

Useful equipment

You might need the following baking tools/gadgets to make this Eve’s pudding (apple sponge pudding):

Digital scales
Freestanding mixer
Mixing bowl
Ceramic baking dish
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wire rack

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Ingredients

For the filling
6 apples
5 tablespoons demerara sugar
Juice of 1 lemon

For the sponge
125g (½ cup) butter / baking spread
125g (¾ cup) caster sugar
125g (1 cup) self raising flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder

How to make Eve’s pudding

Pre-heat your oven to 180C / 170C Fan / 350F and grease a large (2.5 – 3 litre) glass or ceramic baking dish.

Prepare the apples

Get your kids to help peel, core and cut the apples into small pieces. Older children might be able to do this on their own, but if your children are younger you might find it easier to peel, and core and quarter the apples yourself, before getting them to cut them into smaller pieces.
When using a knife make sure your kid’s fingers are safe by making a bridge over the top of the knife.

Get your kids to lay the apples in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the sugar over the top, then get your kids to squeeze the lemon and add the juice to your apples.

Make the sponge pudding

Get your kids to help measure out all the sponge ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl or free-standing mixer.
You can add the sponge ingredients in any order but we find it best to add them in the order they’re listed so that we don’t miss any out.

Start by adding the butter, sugar and flour. If your butter isn’t soft it won’t mix in very well so we tend to cut ours into a few pieces then pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds or so (long enough that it softens, but not long enough to melt it). If you’re using baking spread, you can add that straight in.

Crack the eggs into a small bowl before adding them to your mixing bowl. We never add them straight in just in case any shell goes in. If it does, simply fish it out with a larger piece of shell or a teaspoon.

Finally, add the baking powder. Make sure your kids use their finger to level the teaspoon so that you add just the right amount.

Using the k-paddle of your free-standing mixer, a hand held mixer or even just some wooden spoons, mix everything together until you have a nice smooth batter.

Make the Eve’s pudding

Get your kids to spoon or pour the sponge on top of the apples, and spread it out with a spatula or pallet knife so that it’s evenly distributed and covering all the apples.

Bake the Eve’s pudding

Bake the apple sponge pudding in the oven for 45-50 minutes. It’s ready when the sponge has risen and turned golden brown and the apples are nice and soft.

Remove it from the oven, and serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, some custard or whipped cream.