Immerse yourself in a taste of classic New England with this comforting and rich Indian pudding. This dessert, rooted in history, marries the sweet and earthy flavors of molasses and cornmeal, creating a warm and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.
While most of the ingredients for this Indian pudding are common pantry staples, you may need to pick up some molasses and dark brown sugar if you don't typically stock them. Molasses provides a deep, rich sweetness that is key to the flavor of this dessert, and dark brown sugar offers a more nuanced sweetness than regular granulated sugar.
Ingredients for Indian Pudding Recipe
Whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the pudding.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and depth to the pudding.
Molasses: Offers a distinct, robust sweetness.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Cornmeal: Gives the pudding its unique texture.
Ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
Cinnamon: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, woody spice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Vanilla ice cream: A perfect creamy companion to the warm pudding.
One reader, Benyamin Bair says:
This Indian pudding recipe is a delightful treat! The warm spices and rich molasses create a comforting, nostalgic flavor. Topped with vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Essential Techniques for Making Indian Pudding
How to bring to a simmer: Gradually heat the milk, cream, molasses, and brown sugar mixture over moderately high heat until small bubbles form around the edges, but do not let it boil.
How to whisk: Use a whisk to combine the cornmeal, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps before adding it to the milk mixture.
How to bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the pudding in the middle of the oven, stirring halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
How to let cool on a rack: After baking, place the baking dish on a cooling rack to allow air to circulate around it, helping the pudding set as it cools.
How to serve: Once the pudding has cooled for 20 minutes, serve it warm topped with vanilla ice cream.
How To Make Indian Pudding
Here’s an easy and delightful dessert that everyone will surely love. Cornmeal, molasses, and milk are baked for a molasses-rich Indian pudding.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupswhole milk
- 1cupheavy cream
- ½cupmolasses
- ¼cupdark brown sugar
- 1cupcornmeal
- 1tspground ginger
- 1tspcinnamon
- ¼tspsalt
- 2cupsvanilla ice cream
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a medium heavy stainless-steel saucepan, bring the milk, cream, molasses, and brown sugar almost to a simmer over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the milk mixture, whisking. Bring just to a simmer, whisking.
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Pour into an 8×8-inch baking dish. The batter will be thin and shallow.
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Bake the pudding in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir well.
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Return the pudding to the oven and continue cooking for 20 minutes. The pudding will still be wobbly, but will set as it cools. Let cool on a rack for 20 minutes.
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Serve warm topped with the ice cream. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 721.25kcal
- Fat: 34.00g
- Saturated Fat: 20.57g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.70g
- Carbohydrates: 95.49g
- Fiber: 2.40g
- Sugar: 62.76g
- Protein: 10.24g
- Cholesterol: 122.76mg
- Sodium: 294.27mg
- Calcium: 363.19mg
- Potassium: 1030.27mg
- Iron: 4.02mg
- Vitamin A: 382.97µg
- Vitamin C: 0.78mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Indian Pudding Recipe
When incorporating the cornmeal mixture into the hot milk and cream mixture, make sure to whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture in your Indian pudding.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Indian Pudding Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out milk, cream, molasses, and spices before starting to save time during cooking.
Use a microwave: Warm the milk and cream in the microwave to speed up the initial heating process.
Whisk efficiently: Use a hand mixer to quickly combine the cornmeal and spices with the milk mixture.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for future use, reducing prep time later.
Preheat the oven: Ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F before you start mixing ingredients to avoid waiting time.
Substitute Ingredients For Indian Pudding Recipe
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a dairy-free alternative and has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the spices.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a rich, dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the dessert's complexity.
molasses - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a different but equally rich sweetness and a unique flavor profile.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is a less processed alternative.
cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is essentially the same as cornmeal but may have a slightly different texture, which works well in this recipe.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Fresh ginger provides a more vibrant and intense flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other spices.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a cleaner taste and can enhance the flavors more effectively.
vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream is a dairy-free option that adds a tropical twist to the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present Indian Pudding
Use elegant serving dishes: Choose a sleek, white porcelain dish to contrast beautifully with the rich, dark indian pudding.
Create layers: Spoon a thin layer of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of the dish, followed by a generous portion of the warm indian pudding. This creates a delightful temperature contrast.
Garnish with spices: Lightly dust the top of the indian pudding with a pinch of ground cinnamon and ginger to enhance the aromatic experience.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few toasted cornmeal crumbs on top for a subtle crunch that complements the creamy texture of the pudding.
Use fresh elements: Add a small sprig of fresh mint or a few fresh berries on the side to introduce a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve warm: Ensure the indian pudding is served warm to maintain its comforting, rich flavor, perfectly balanced by the cold vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with molasses: Finish with a delicate drizzle of molasses over the top to enhance the deep, caramelized flavors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Indian Pudding Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the pudding at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medium heavy stainless-steel saucepan: Ideal for heating the milk, cream, molasses, and brown sugar mixture without burning.
Medium bowl: Used for whisking together the cornmeal, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
Whisk: Essential for combining the dry ingredients with the milk mixture smoothly.
8x8-inch baking dish: The container in which the pudding will be baked.
Rack: Used for cooling the pudding after it comes out of the oven.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, cream, molasses, and cornmeal.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
Stirring spoon: Useful for stirring the pudding during the baking process.
Ice cream scoop: Handy for serving the vanilla ice cream on top of the warm pudding.
Storing and Freezing Indian Pudding: A Guide
- Let the indian pudding cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding:
- Wrap the cooled pudding tightly with plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped pudding with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
- Alternatively, you can portion the pudding into individual servings, wrapping each one separately before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need later.
- Frozen indian pudding will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen pudding to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause the texture to become soggy.
- Reheat thawed pudding gently in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much upon thawing.
- If you froze individual portions, you can reheat them directly from frozen, adjusting the reheating time as needed.
- Serve the reheated pudding warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How To Reheat Indian Pudding Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover indian pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the pudding from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Transfer the leftover pudding to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pudding is heated to your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pudding to become rubbery.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated indian pudding, place the leftover portion in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar caramelizes and forms a crunchy crust. Keep a close eye on the pudding to prevent burning.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover pudding in a non-stick pan over low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the pudding is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the pudding seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the consistency and prevent sticking.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover indian pudding. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the pudding in an oven-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer basket, and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method can help to restore some of the original texture of the pudding.
Interesting Fact About Indian Pudding
A random fact about this recipe is that Indian pudding is a traditional New England dessert that dates back to colonial times. It was originally made with cornmeal and molasses, ingredients that were readily available to early American settlers.
Is Making Indian Pudding at Home Cost-Effective?
This Indian pudding recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like cornmeal, molasses, and brown sugar are relatively inexpensive and can be found in most pantries. The most costly items are the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla ice cream, but even these are affordable. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Indian Pudding Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Indian pudding recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high content of saturated fats and added sugars. The heavy cream, whole milk, and ice cream contribute to the saturated fat content, while the molasses and brown sugar add significant amounts of sugar to the dish. Additionally, the recipe lacks fiber, vitamins, and minerals that would make it more nutritionally balanced.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the whole milk and heavy cream with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or light coconut milk
- Reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar, or substitute them with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates
- Incorporate fiber-rich ingredients such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or rolled oats to increase the nutritional value and create a more satisfying texture
- Add fresh or dried fruits like apples, raisins, or cranberries to provide additional vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness
- Experiment with using whole grain cornmeal instead of regular cornmeal to increase the fiber content
- Serve the pudding with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream to reduce the saturated fat and add a protein boost
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritionally balanced version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some health benefits.
Editor's Opinion on Indian Pudding Recipe
This Indian pudding recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. The combination of molasses and dark brown sugar provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while the ginger and cinnamon add a warm, aromatic spice. The use of cornmeal gives the pudding a unique, slightly gritty texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy vanilla ice cream. Baking the pudding in stages ensures a perfectly set, yet still wobbly, consistency. Overall, it's a nostalgic and satisfying dessert that captures the essence of traditional New England cuisine with a touch of creative flair.
Enhance Your Indian Pudding Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Indian Pudding Recipe
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Indian Pudding Recipe
Why trust this Indian Pudding Recipe:
This Indian pudding recipe is a time-honored classic, blending rich molasses and dark brown sugar with creamy whole milk and heavy cream. The addition of cornmeal gives it a unique texture, while ginger and cinnamon add a warm, spicy flavor. Baked to perfection and served with vanilla ice cream, this dessert is both comforting and indulgent. Trust this recipe for its authentic ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious result every time.
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