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Steamed Golden Syrup Pudding
Pure nostalgia in every spoonful - a true classic
EASY MEALS FOR ELDERLY PARENTS
5/30/20263 min read
If there is one dessert guaranteed to transport an elderly parent straight back to childhood it is a steamed golden syrup pudding.
The moment you tip it out of the basin and that gorgeous golden syrup runs down the sides of the soft sponge - there is genuinely nothing more comforting in the world. It's warm, sweet, impossibly soft and absolutely steeped in happy memories for almost every elderly person you put it in front of.
This is the dessert I make when Mum is having a hard day and needs something that feels like a proper treat. The smile it produces is worth every single step.
Why This Recipe Works for Elderly Parents
Incredibly soft texture - steamed sponge is one of the softest desserts you can make
Melts in the mouth - requires almost no chewing at all
Deeply comforting - the familiar taste of golden syrup triggers the most wonderful nostalgic memories
Naturally soft - the steaming process creates a tender, moist sponge that stays soft even when cold
Served warm - warm food is often more appealing to elderly parents with reduced appetite
Can be made ahead - steams beautifully and reheats perfectly
Recipe Details
Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1.5–2 hours steaming Freeze: Up to 2 months
Ingredients
125g butter, softened
125g caster sugar
2 large eggs
125g self raising flour, sifted
2 tbsp full cream milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 tbsp golden syrup (for the base of the basin)
Extra golden syrup to serve
Method
Step 1 - Prepare your steamer Fill a large saucepan with water to a depth of about 5cm and place a trivet or upturned heatproof plate in the bottom. Bring to a simmer. Grease a 1 litre pudding basin very well with butter.
Step 2 - Add golden syrup Spoon 4 tablespoons of golden syrup into the bottom of the greased pudding basin. Set aside.
Step 3 - Make the sponge batter Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy - about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract. Fold in the sifted flour alternating with the milk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
Step 4 - Fill the basin Spoon the batter over the golden syrup in the pudding basin. Smooth the top. Cut a circle of baking paper and a circle of foil slightly larger than the top of the basin. Layer them together, make a pleat in the centre (to allow for expansion) and secure over the top of the basin with string or a rubber band.
Step 5 - Steam Lower the basin carefully into the simmering water. The water should come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a tight fitting lid and steam for 1.5–2 hours. Check the water level every 30 minutes and top up with boiling water as needed - never let the pan boil dry.
Step 6 - Turn out and serve The pudding is ready when a skewer inserted through the foil and paper into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the water, allow to rest for 5 minutes then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a warm serving plate. Serve immediately with extra golden syrup drizzled over the top and a spoonful of custard or cream alongside.
Reheating and Storage
To reheat individual portions: Cover with damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 60–90 seconds until warmed through.
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Cool completely, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Kim's Tips
💕 The pleat in the paper and foil is important - this allows the pudding to expand as it steams without the covering bursting. Always make a fold before securing.
💕 Never let the steamer boil dry - set a timer every 30 minutes to check the water level. Running out of water will cause the pudding basin to crack and potentially burn.
💕 Warm golden syrup pours more easily - sit the golden syrup tin in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to make it more fluid and easier to measure.
💕 Serve with custard - a warm pouring custard alongside this pudding is absolutely divine and also adds nourishment. Your baked vanilla custard recipe serves beautifully alongside this.
💕 Individual puddings - for easier portioning and serving make this in individual small pudding basins. Reduce the steaming time to 45–60 minutes.
What You'll Need
A good pudding basin with a lid makes this so much easier. I've linked my favourite on my Amazon storefront along with a steaming trivet.
👉 Shop my kitchen recommendations on Amazon
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Does this bring back the most wonderful memories? I'd love to hear about it in the comments — this one always starts the best conversations! Come and find me on Instagram too. You're not doing this alone. 💕