Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding) is a delightful dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of apples with a smooth custard layer, all topped with caramelized sugar. This classic British treat is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Its rich taste and creamy texture make it a memorable ending to your meals, sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious pudding without any advanced cooking skills.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of tart and sweet apples enhances the custard’s richness, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serves 8, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings where you want to impress guests.
- Comfort Food Classic: This pudding evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it a beloved choice for dessert lovers.
Tools and Preparation
For this recipe, having the right tools will ensure your Malvern Pudding turns out perfectly. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Provides the right shape for baking and helps achieve even cooking.
- Saucepan: Needed for melting butter and cooking the apple mixture smoothly.
- Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients together, ensuring a lump-free custard.

Ingredients
To make Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding), gather the following ingredients:
For the Apples
- 375 g cooking apples (such as Bramleys)
- 375 g eating apples (such as russets)
- 90 g butter (divided)
- 60 g caster sugar (plus extra for topping)
- Grated rind of 1 lemon
For the Custard Mixture
- 45 g plain flour (or cornflour)
- 500 ml whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
For Topping
- 60 g demerara sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s heating, peel and core both types of apples. Chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
In a saucepan, melt 45 g of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples along with 60 g of caster sugar and the grated lemon rind. Cook until the apples soften, about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them into a baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Base
In another saucepan, melt the remaining 45 g of butter over low heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the custard mixture over the cooked apple base in your baking dish. Mix demerara sugar with ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture on top. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Enjoy your delicious Malvern Pudding!
How to Serve Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
Malvern Pudding is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are plenty of serving ideas to elevate this comforting dish.
Warm with Cream
- Add a generous pour of fresh cream over the warm pudding for a rich and velvety experience.
Chilled with Ice Cream
- Serve chilled Malvern Pudding alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the creamy custard nicely.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Fruit
- Top your pudding with slices of fresh apples or berries for a burst of color and freshness.
Served in Individual Portions
- For a more elegant presentation, serve Malvern Pudding in small ramekins or cups, making it perfect for gatherings.
How to Perfect Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
Achieving the perfect Malvern Pudding requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out splendidly.
- Use quality apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples creates depth in flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your pudding while it bakes. You want a soft custard consistency without overbaking.
- Let it cool before serving: Allowing the pudding to cool slightly helps enhance its flavors and makes it easier to slice.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can modify the amount of sugar in the recipe for a more personalized dessert.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
Pairing side dishes with Malvern Pudding can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream provides creaminess that complements the richness of the pudding beautifully. -
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the pudding nicely. -
Spiced Pear Compote
This warm compote features stewed pears flavored with spices, making it an aromatic addition to your dessert table. -
Shortbread Cookies
Crunchy shortbread cookies provide a delightful contrast in texture, offering a buttery bite alongside your pudding. -
Caramel Sauce
A homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can be drizzled over either dish for an extra touch of indulgence. -
Cinnamon Sugar Toast
Lightly toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar makes for an easy yet flavorful side that pairs well with the pudding’s flavors. -
Chai Tea
A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers comforting warmth that complements the dessert’s creamy texture wonderfully. -
Light Citrus Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate and adds a zesty finish after enjoying your rich Malvern Pudding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Malvern Pudding, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Using only one type of apple – Sticking to just sweet or tart apples can lead to a bland flavor. Instead, combine both types for a balanced taste.
- Skipping the butter – Neglecting to use butter in the apple mixture can cause dryness. Ensure you melt enough butter for a rich, moist base.
- Not monitoring baking time – Overbaking can result in a tough custard. Keep an eye on it and remove when golden brown for the best texture.
- Forgetting to let it cool – Serving immediately can mask flavors. Allowing it to rest enhances the taste and creaminess of the pudding.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold milk or eggs can affect the custard’s consistency. Bring them to room temperature for a smoother mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
- Oven – Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop – Gently warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Malvern Pudding.
What is Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)?
Malvern Pudding is a delightful dessert made from a blend of cooking and eating apples topped with creamy custard and caramelized sugar.
Can I customize Malvern Pudding?
Yes! You can experiment with different fruits or spices like nutmeg instead of cinnamon for unique flavors.
How do I know when my Malvern Pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when it turns golden brown on top and sets slightly while still being creamy inside.
What apples are best for Malvern Pudding?
A mix of tart apples like Bramleys and sweet ones such as russets works best for flavor balance and texture.
Final Thoughts
Malvern Pudding is a versatile dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Its creamy texture paired with the sweetness of apples makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or spices for a personal touch. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; your guests will be asking for more!
Malvern Pudding (Custard Apple Pudding)
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Malvern Pudding, a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a creamy custard layer, all topped with a caramelized sugar crust. This classic British treat is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this pudding is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of common ingredients and simple steps. Whether served warm with cream or chilled alongside vanilla ice cream, Malvern Pudding is a versatile dessert that caters to every palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 375 g cooking apples (such as Bramleys)
- 375 g eating apples (such as russets)
- 90 g butter (divided)
- 60 g caster sugar (plus extra for topping)
- Grated rind of 1 lemon
- 45 g plain flour
- 500 ml whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- 60 g demerara sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Peel, core, and chop both types of apples into small pieces.
- In a saucepan, melt 45 g of butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, caster sugar, and lemon rind; cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Transfer to a baking dish.
- In another saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cooked apples in the baking dish. Mix demerara sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle on top. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg



Leave a Comment