Mary Berry Pear Pudding

Mary Berry’s Pear Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that combines tender, juicy pears with a light sponge topping. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a family favorite during cooler months. With minimal preparation and classic flavors, it’s a must-try for any dessert lover.

What is Mary Berry Pear Pudding?

Mary Berry’s Pear Pudding is a traditional British dessert featuring poached or fresh pears baked under a soft sponge topping. The sweetness of the pears complements the buttery sponge, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s often served warm with cream, custard, or ice cream.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect for seasonal fruit: A great way to use ripe pears in a delicious dessert.
• Easy to prepare: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients.
• Elegant and comforting: Ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it with cream, custard, or ice cream.
• Classic Mary Berry recipe: Tried-and-true for guaranteed results.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Pear Pudding

For the Pear Base:

• 4 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and halved)
• 50g granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 100ml water

For the Sponge Topping:

• 125g self-raising flour
• 125g caster sugar
• 125g unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

For Garnish:

• Icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• 1.5L (6-cup) baking dish
• Spatula

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pear Pudding

• Step 1: Prepare the pears.
  Peel, core, and halve the pears. Place them in a saucepan with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the pears are just tender. Remove from heat and transfer the pears to a greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
• Step 2: Preheat the oven.
  Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
• Step 3: Make the sponge topping.
  In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, caster sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Step 4: Spread the sponge mixture.
  Using a spatula, carefully spread the sponge mixture over the pears, ensuring they are evenly covered.
• Step 5: Bake the pudding.
  Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 6: Serve the pudding.
  Dust the pudding with icing sugar, if desired, and serve warm with cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Pear Pudding

• Custard: A classic pairing that enhances the warmth of the dessert.
• Whipped cream: Adds a light and creamy touch.
• Vanilla ice cream: The contrast of warm pudding with cold ice cream is irresistible.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle over the top for added indulgence.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts for texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Pear Pudding

• Use ripe pears: Ripe but firm pears work best for this recipe.
• Poach gently: Avoid overcooking the pears to maintain their shape.
• Smooth the topping evenly: Spread the sponge batter carefully for even baking.
• Test for doneness: Insert a skewer into the sponge to check if it’s fully baked.
• Serve immediately: The pudding is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

What are the Variations of Mary Berry Pear Pudding?

• Add spices: Include cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in the poaching liquid for a spiced flavor.
• Try different fruits: Replace pears with apples, plums, or peaches for variety.
• Incorporate chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the sponge batter for a richer dessert.
• Use almond flour: Replace a portion of the self-raising flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Pear Pudding?

• Refrigerate leftovers: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat before serving: Warm the pudding in the oven at 150°C (300°F) or in the microwave.
• Freeze for later: Wrap portions tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months.

How Can I Reheat Mary Berry Pear Pudding?

• In the oven: Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish and warm at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes.
• In the microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm.

How Can I Make Pear Pudding Healthier?

• Reduce sugar: Use less sugar in the poaching liquid and sponge topping.
• Swap butter: Replace butter with a lighter alternative or use unsweetened applesauce.
• Wholemeal flour: Substitute part of the self-raising flour with wholemeal flour for added fiber.
• Use natural sweeteners: Replace caster sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

Can I Use Canned Pears for Pear Pudding?

Yes, you can use canned pears for pear pudding. Simply drain them thoroughly before arranging them in the baking dish. This saves time and still delivers great results.

How Do I Prevent the Sponge from Sinking?

To prevent the sponge from sinking, ensure you evenly spread the batter over the pears and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Also, use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.

Can I Make Pear Pudding Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make pear pudding ahead of time. Bake the pudding, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

What Other Fruits Can I Use Instead of Pears?

You can substitute pears with apples, plums, peaches, or even berries. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fruit’s texture and juiciness.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Pear Pudding is the epitome of comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a delicious and elegant dessert. With its tender pears and fluffy sponge topping, this pudding is sure to impress at any dinner table.

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