Mary Berry Chocolate Steamed Pudding Recipe

Mary Berry's Chocolate Steamed Pudding is a classic, indulgent treat that combines a light, fluffy sponge with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. This dessert is perfect for anyone looking to impress at dinner parties or seeking a comforting, warm dessert during the colder months. As part of Mary Berry's BBC2 series, "Simple Comforts," this pudding exemplifies comfort food at its best: simple ingredients and preparation leading to extraordinary results.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Steamed Pudding

• For the pudding:
  • 125g (4½oz) baking spread, plus extra for greasing
  • 125g (4½oz) caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 100g (4oz) self-raising flour
  • 25g (1oz) cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the chocolate sauce:
  • 150ml (5fl oz) milk
  • 150ml (5fl oz) double cream
  • 300g (11oz) Bournville chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation Instructions

1. Start by greasing a 1.1-litre (2-pint) pudding basin with baking spread. Then place a greased square of baking paper at the bottom.
2. Whisk together all pudding ingredients until well blended and fluffy, then spoon the mixture into the prepared basin, leveling the top.
3. Cover with a greased square of foil, making a pleat in the middle for expansion. Secure this covering tightly around the basin.
4. Cook the pudding by steaming: place it on a trivet inside a deep saucepan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for about 1½ to 1¾ hours.
5. For the chocolate sauce, heat milk and cream in a saucepan until just boiling, then add chocolate and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

After cooking, allow the pudding to cool slightly before turning out onto a plate. Serve with the warm chocolate sauce poured over, ensuring a rich and indulgent experience.

Storage and Reheating

This pudding is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming again for about 15 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and gently reheated.

Nutritional Information

This dessert is high in calories, given its sugar and fat content, primarily from the chocolate, cream, and baking spread. A typical serving could contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, fats (including saturated fats), and sugars, with some protein from the eggs and milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use normal butter instead of baking spread? Yes, but ensure it's soft to blend easily with the other ingredients.
• Is it possible to make the pudding without a steamer? Absolutely. Any deep saucepan with a lid that can fit the pudding basin inside, allowing space for water, will work.
• Can I substitute the chocolate for a less rich option? Yes, using a lighter chocolate or reducing the amount can adjust the richness to taste.
• How do I know when the pudding is done? The pudding should be firm to the touch. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

This recipe, originating from Mary Berry's "Simple Comforts" series, showcases her expertise in creating dishes that are both easy to prepare and delightful to eat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to steamed puddings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for its comforting qualities and decadent flavors​​​​​​.