Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pistachios (fresh, shelled) – 100g
- Self-raising flour – 150g
- Butter (softened) – 100g
- Brown sugar – 120g
- Eggs – 2 large
- Milk – 120ml
- Golden syrup or honey – 100ml
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – pinch
Optional Variations
- Ground sunflower seeds (for nut-free version) – 100g
- Plant-based butter (for vegan adaptation) – 100g
- Flax eggs (for vegan adaptation) – 2 (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water)
- Almond milk (for vegan adaptation) – 120ml
- Cocoa powder or chocolate chips – 30g
- Lemon or orange zest – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon or cardamom – 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachios: Finely chop or grind the pistachios to release their oils and enhance their flavor. Optionally, toast them lightly to deepen the aroma, taking care not to burn.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, ground pistachios, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the nutty flavor is evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a tender crumb and a sweet base for the pudding.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. The batter should be smooth, slightly thick but still pourable.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Sticky Syrup: While baking, gently warm the golden syrup or honey with a splash of water and a touch of butter to create a sticky glaze.
- Pour Syrup on Hot Sponge: Immediately after baking, poke holes all over the sponge with a skewer and pour the hot syrup on top, allowing it to soak in and infuse the pudding with sticky sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh shelled, unsalted pistachios for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the sponge soft and tender.
- Ensure even oven temperature for consistent baking and a gooey center.
- Make holes in the sponge while it is hot to maximize syrup absorption.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving so the syrup thickens but the dessert remains warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free (using gluten-free self-raising flour version)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of pudding)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pistachio dessert, sponge pudding, sticky pudding, nutty dessert, gooey pudding, warm dessert