Prepare to be transported back in time with a dessert that whispers stories of family, love, and traditional baking! Grandma Knight's Date Pudding is not just a recipe; it's a slice of culinary heritage that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Imagine a decadent, moist pudding packed with sweet, caramelized dates that melts in your mouth, creating an experience that's both comforting and luxurious. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or someone seeking a taste of classic American home cooking, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and allow them to absorb the water.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the softened date mixture, stirring until the dates are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Date Selection: Choose soft, plump dates for the best flavor and texture. Medjool dates work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Water Temperature: Use boiling water when soaking dates to help them soften and release their natural sweetness more effectively.
- Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough pudding.
- Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as slight variations can affect baking time and results.
- Doneness Test: The toothpick test is crucial - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when the pudding is perfectly baked.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm for the most indulgent experience, and don't shy away from adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
