English Spotted Dick

There’s something about a traditional English dessert that brings a delightful sense of nostalgia, and Spotted Dick is one of those cherished recipes in my home. Growing up, my mother would make this hearty pudding on rainy days, and the aroma of warm suet dough mingled with plump raisins would fill our kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for dessert. Now, as a mom myself, I’ve carried on the tradition with my own family, and the recipe has been met with equal excitement and fondness.

The real charm of Spotted Dick lies in its simplicity. It’s a straightforward pudding, steamed to perfection and drenched in a luscious custard sauce. The raisins, or “spots,” give a delightful burst of sweetness, and the suet-based dough has an irresistible rich texture. What I adore most about this recipe is how it transforms a few humble ingredients into something spectacular, with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect ending to a cozy family dinner, and it never fails to elicit big smiles from my kids and husband. Each bite takes me back, but it also creates new, special memories for my little ones.

Making this pudding is truly a labor of love, but I promise it’s worth every minute. If you’re new to traditional British desserts or just craving something delightfully different, give this a try. You’ll be amazed at the warm, comforting magic it brings to the table!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What is Spotted Dick, and why is it called that?
A: Spotted Dick is a classic British steamed suet pudding dotted with dried fruits like raisins or currants. The “spots” refer to the raisins, while “Dick” is an old dialect term for pudding.

Q: Can I use a different fat if I don’t have suet?
A: Yes! You can use grated butter or vegetable shortening, though the texture might be slightly different. Suet gives it a traditional, crumbly consistency.

Q: Do I have to steam it for so long?
A: Steaming ensures the pudding is cooked through while remaining moist. You can’t rush the process, but you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly textured dessert.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can steam the pudding the day before and reheat it before serving. It reheats well in the microwave or by steaming again for about 15 minutes.

What You Need to Make Spotted Dick

Ingredients:

200g self-raising flour

100g shredded suet (or grated cold butter)

100g sugar

150g raisins or currants

1 tsp baking powder

A pinch of salt

Zest of one lemon

150ml milk

For the Custard Sauce:

500ml whole milk

3 egg yolks

50g sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cornstarch (for a thicker consistency, optional)

Tools:

Pudding basin or heatproof bowl

Large pot with a lid

Greaseproof paper and foil

String for securing the basin

How to Make Spotted Dick

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, suet, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Stir in the raisins or currants. Slowly add the milk, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Shape the Pudding: Grease your pudding basin and spoon the dough in, pressing gently to level the top. Cover with a double layer of greaseproof paper and a layer of foil, then tie securely with string.

Steam the Pudding: Place the basin in a large pot, adding enough water to come halfway up the sides. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 2 hours, checking occasionally to top up the water as needed.

Make the Custard Sauce: Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Add vanilla extract.

Serve: Unwrap the pudding and turn it out onto a plate. Serve hot with generous ladles of custard sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Spotted Dick

Don’t skimp on the steaming time. It’s essential for a moist pudding, so be patient!

Grate your butter if you don’t have suet. It makes mixing easier and keeps the dough crumbly.

Use a heatproof bowl if you don’t have a traditional pudding basin. Just make sure it’s securely covered to prevent water from getting in.

Zest your lemon finely to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the pudding.

Store leftovers in the fridge. They can be reheated gently by steaming or in the microwave with a bit of custard.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for a chilly evening! My kids devoured it, and the custard was heavenly.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great traditional dessert! Next time, I’ll add a bit more lemon zest for a citrusy punch.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Reminds me of my childhood! The pudding was soft, and the raisins were just right. A keeper for sure!”

⭐⭐⭐ “Good, but I found the dough a bit heavy. Maybe I’ll try grated butter next time instead of suet.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing! Easy to make and so comforting. Even my picky eaters loved it.”

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a beloved recipe with friends and family! If Spotted Dick brings comfort and smiles to your table, spread the word on social media. Your friends will love discovering this warm, traditional treat. Tag me when you make it—I’d love to see how your version turns out. After all, sharing good food is one of the simplest ways to spread happiness!