English Summer Fruit Pudding — Refreshing Berry & Bread Delight Inspired by Lady Diana’s Favorite
This classic English dessert combines fresh summer berries with dense bread in either a traditional dome shape or layered form. The base is always raspberry, complemented here with red currants, cherries, and blackcurrants. Using dense bread like potato bread is key for structure — avoid airy or sponge-like bread.
🍓 Ingredients (Makes 2 puddings, approx. soup bowl size)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed berries (raspberries, red currants, blackcurrants, cherries, strawberries, blackberries) | 1 kg total (e.g., 300 g raspberries, 300 g red currants, 200 g cherries, 200 g blackcurrants) |
| Sugar | 150–200 g |
| Water | 100 ml |
| Vanilla extract | To taste |
| Dense bread slices | As needed |
🔪 Preparation Steps
- Prep fruit:
Pit cherries and remove stems from currants. Wash all fruits separately. - Cook fruit syrup:
In a pot, combine water, sugar, and cherries. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves.
Add currants and strawberries (if using), simmer 2 more minutes.
Add raspberries and blackberries plus vanilla extract, stir, and remove from heat. - Drain fruit:
Place fruit in a fine sieve over a bowl and let drain to room temperature. Reserve the juice. - Prepare bread:
Depending on the pudding style: A. Dome style:- Line a soup bowl with plastic wrap.
- Cut bread to fit base and sides snugly, soaking slices in fruit syrup.
- Line bowl with bread slices, pressing well.
- Fill with drained fruit.
- Cover with plastic wrap, place a smaller bowl inside, and weight it down.
- Line a round or rectangular dish with plastic wrap.
- Cut bread to fit dish.
- Layer fruit, syrup-soaked bread, fruit, bread, ending with bread on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap, place a plate inside, and weight down.
- Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours. Keep the reserved juice chilled. - Serve:
Remove weights and plastic wrap. Invert pudding onto a plate just before serving. It will hold shape briefly.
Serve with some reserved syrup and fresh berries for dome style, or plain for layered style.
Optional: Add cream or ice cream alongside.
💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Use dense bread like potato or brioche for structure.
- Feel free to customize berries based on season and preference.
- Reserve fruit juice syrup to drizzle over servings.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dessert.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This elegant English berry pudding is a refreshing, visually stunning dessert perfect for warm days and special occasions. Its delicate balance of tart berries and soft bread soaked in fragrant syrup will delight guests and family alike.