I always love fruity desserts and my homemade apple sponge pudding is one of the most loving and easy treats to make. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a cozy fall or winter meal. If your loved ones enjoy apple pie but want a break from using pastry, this pudding is a comforting alternative. It’s simple to prepare, healthy, and bursting with flavor. You can serve it with ice cream, yogurt, whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or creamy vanilla custard or simply enjoy it plain. The choice is all yours.
Ingredients For The Apple Sponge Pudding
- For The Apple Stew
- 1.5 to 2 kg cooking apples
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- For The Sponge
- 200 grams soft butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup milk
The Apple
Most traditional recipes call for cooking apples, such as Bramley apples, which soften and break down beautifully when baked. However, I prefer using Granny Smith or any other crisp-eating apples, such as Braeburn or Pink Lady. They hold their shape better and add a lovely balance of sweetness and tang to the pudding.
Flour
For this apple sponge recipe, I’m using all-purpose flour. However, you can also use self-raising flour, which already contains baking powder. Just use whatever you have available in your pantry; both work perfectly.
Sugar
I like to use brown sugar in this recipe because it gives the apples and sponge a beautiful caramelized flavor. You can also use raw sugar or white sugar if you prefer; they all work well.
Tip: If you’re using sweeter apples, be sure to adjust the amount of sugar to balance the flavor.
Make The Apple Sponge Pudding In A Few Simple Steps
Step 1 – Prepare The Apples
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into medium-thick pieces. Place the apple slices directly into your baking dish and pour in a little water, lemon juice, and sugar.
Bake the apples in a hot oven for about 20 minutes, stirring them as required. Add a bit more water if they start to dry out.
Step 2 – Make The Sponge Batter
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and creamy. Next, beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, adding them one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to achieve a smooth, airy batter.
Gently sift the flour and baking powder, then add them to the mixture in small portions. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined.
Gradually pour in the milk, folding it gently into the mixture after each addition. Continue alternating between the dry ingredients and milk until everything is well combined. Your batter should be smooth, thick, and without any lumps.
Step 3 – Add The Sponge
Spoon the prepared sponge mixture over the stewed apples, spreading it evenly to cover them completely.
Final Step
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown. Serve warm with custard, a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy it just as it is.
Pro Tip
This apple sponge pudding is simple to make using just one baking dish. Rather than cooking the apples separately, you can stew them right in the same pan. As the apples soften in the oven, you can easily prepare your sponge batter in the meantime.
Let’s Make Our Delicious Apple Sponge Pudding
I hope you will love my easy and delicious apple sponge pudding recipe. This flavorful, fruity dessert comes together in a single baking dish, making cleanup quick and simple.
If feeling hungry? Grab your apron and get ready to bake our tasty and creamy homemade apple sponge pudding.
What type of apples work best for apple sponge pudding?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are popular because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the sponge. However, any apple variety you have on hand—Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp—will work well.
Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! If you use self-raising flour, you can skip adding baking powder. The texture of the sponge will still turn out light and fluffy.
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the apple layer and sponge batter, then refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake when ready. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
How do I know when the sponge pudding is done?
The top should be golden and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the sponge should come out clean.
Can I freeze apple sponge pudding?
Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Why did my sponge turn out dense?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or too much liquid was added. Mix gently until combined, and measure ingredients accurately for the best texture.