Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Recipe

Embrace the flavors of summer with this delightful Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce recipe. This dessert combines the tartness of sour cherries, the richness of pound cake, and the sweet tropical touch of a mango-rum sauce. It's sure to be a hit at any gathering, or simply as a special treat to enjoy at home.

Photos of Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Recipe

The recipe calls for sour cherries, which might not be a common fruit you have on hand. They are usually available in summer, and can often be found in frozen form in many supermarkets. Additionally, you will need a pound cake, which can be store-bought or homemade. The mango used in the rum sauce needs to be ripe for maximum flavor. Lastly, the recipe uses champagne grapes, these are tiny, sweet grapes. If you can't find them, you can substitute with other small, sweet grapes.

Ingredients for Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce

Sour cherries: A perfect balance of sweet and tart, these fruits add a refreshing flavor.

Dry fruity red wine: Adds depth and richness to the cherries.

Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cherries.

Pound cake: Serves as the firm base of the pudding.

Ripe mango: Adds tropical sweetness to the rum sauce.

Honey: Provides natural sweetness to the sauce.

Dark rum: Lends a warming note to the sauce.

Water: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.

Champagne grapes: Tiny, sweet grapes that add an elegant touch to the dish.

One reader, Eduardo Jung says:

This summer cherry pudding with rum sauce recipe is a delightful treat! The combination of sour cherries and rum sauce creates a burst of flavors that's simply irresistible. The texture of the pudding is perfect, and the rum sauce adds a touch of elegance. It's a must-try for any summer gathering!

Eduardo Jung

Techniques Required for Making Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce

How to pit the cherries: Remove the pits from the cherries using a cherry pitter or a small knife. How to make the rum sauce: Blend the peeled mango flesh, honey, rum, and water in a food processor or blender until smooth.

How To Make Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce

Enjoy this delectable and refreshing Summer Cherry Pudding treat that’s made extra special with a rum sauce made with mango, dark rum, grapes, and honey!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½lbsour cherries
½cupdry fruity red wine
¼cupsugar
1pound cake

For Rum Sauce:

1ripe mango
2tbsp.honey
1tbsp.dark rum
1cupwater
½cupchampagne grapes,or equivalent amount of Red Flame grapes

Instructions

Pit the cherries, and place them in a stainless steel saucepan with the wine and sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, uncovered, over medium heat, and cook for 5 minutes to reduce the juices.
Cool. (There should be 2¼ cups.)
Trim off the brown sides of the pound cake, reserving the trimmings.
Cut the trimmed cake lengthwise into 5 slices, each about ½-inch thick.
Place a strip of parchment paper in a 4- to 6-cup bowl so that the paper covers the bottom and comes up the sides of the bowl. (This will help in the unmolding later.)
Arrange 3 slices of the cake on top of the parchment so that the cake covers the bottom and sides of the bowl.
Place ½ the cherry mixture on top of the cake and crumble ½ of the reserved cake trimmings over the cherries.
Spoon the remaining cherry mixture on top and crumble the remaining cake trimmings over it.
Finish with the remaining 2 slices of cake, arranging them so that all the cherries are covered.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap touching the cake.
Place a weight of about 1 pound on top of the dessert so it presses and compacts the layers of cake and cherries.
Refrigerate.

Rum Sauce:

Peel the mango, and cut the flesh from the pit.
Place the flesh in a food processor or blender with honey, rum, and water, and process until smooth. (There should be 1¾ cups.)
When ready to serve, unmold the cake onto a serving plate, pour the mango sauce around it, and sprinkle with the grapes.
Spoon onto dessert dishes at the table.

Recipe Notes

The recipe for the cake can be prepared to this point up to 2 days ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 305.03kcal
Fat: 2.57g
Saturated Fat: 0.79g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.63g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.64g
Carbohydrates: 65.21g
Fiber: 4.33g
Sugar: 54.20g
Protein: 3.19g
Cholesterol: 8.08mg
Sodium: 56.63mg
Calcium: 48.99mg
Potassium: 532.81mg
Iron: 1.12mg
Vitamin A: 163.36µg
Vitamin C: 48.24mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting the Rum Sauce

When pitting the cherries, it's best to use a cherry pitter to keep the fruit intact and minimize juice loss. However, if you don't have a cherry pitter, you can use a straw or a chopstick. Simply insert the tool through the stem end of the cherry and push out the pit. Be sure to do this over a bowl to catch the juice. Also, wearing an apron or dark clothing can help prevent any juice splatters from staining your clothes.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delightful Dessert

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before starting to cook. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Use pre-pitted cherries: Save time by using pre-pitted cherries, which will eliminate the need for pitting them manually and speed up the preparation process.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task during the cooking process, such as preparing the rum sauce while the cherry pudding is chilling in the refrigerator.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for tools or ingredients.

Prep in advance: Prepare the rum sauce and pit the cherries in advance to save time on the day of making the cherry pudding.

Substitute Ingredients For Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Recipe

sour cherries - Substitute with sweet cherries: Sweet cherries can be used as a substitute for sour cherries in this recipe, providing a similar flavor profile with a slightly sweeter taste.
dry fruity red wine - Substitute with grape juice: Grape juice can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine, providing a fruity and sweet flavor to the dish.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a unique flavor and sweetness to the pudding.
pound cake - Substitute with angel food cake: Angel food cake can be used as a lighter alternative to pound cake, providing a delicate and airy texture to the dessert.
ripe mango - Substitute with peach: Peaches can be used as a substitute for ripe mango, offering a similar juicy and sweet flavor to the rum sauce.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, adding a rich and distinct flavor to the rum sauce.
dark rum - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for dark rum, providing a hint of warmth and depth to the sauce.
champagne grapes - Substitute with red grapes: Red grapes can be used as a substitute for champagne grapes, offering a sweet and juicy addition to the pudding.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Summer Dessert

Elevate the pound cake: Cut the pound cake into precise, uniform slices to ensure a visually appealing presentation. The cake should be the foundation of the dish, so take care to make it look impeccable.
Create a cherry layering masterpiece: Layer the sour cherries and cake in the bowl with precision and finesse. Ensure that each layer is evenly distributed and perfectly aligned to create a stunning visual effect when the pudding is unmolded.
Unmold with finesse: When unmolding the pudding, do it with confidence and grace. The parchment paper will help in the process, but the key is to do it smoothly and swiftly to reveal the beautiful layers of cake and cherries.
Pour the mango sauce with precision: When pouring the mango sauce around the unmolded pudding, do it with precision and control. The sauce should cascade elegantly around the pudding, adding a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Garnish with champagne grapes: Carefully place the champagne grapes on top of the pudding, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The vibrant color and burst of flavor from the grapes will add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cherry Pudding

Stainless steel saucepan: A durable and versatile pan for cooking the cherry mixture.
Parchment paper: Used to line the bowl and aid in unmolding the pudding.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the bowl and press the dessert while refrigerating.
Food processor or blender: Essential for creating the smooth mango sauce for the rum sauce.
Serving plate: Used to present the unmolded cherry pudding.
Dessert dishes: Used for serving the cherry pudding with rum sauce.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Summer Cherry Pudding

The summer cherry pudding can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to freeze the pudding, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator before unmolding and serving with the rum sauce.
The mango rum sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
If you have leftover pound cake trimmings, you can freeze them for future use in other desserts or as a topping for ice cream. Place the trimmings in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the champagne grapes, store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Wash them just before using them as a garnish for the pudding.

How To Reheat Leftover Summer Cherry Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover summer cherry pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the pudding from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of the cherry pudding on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the portion size and your microwave's wattage. Be sure to check the pudding every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
For a crispy top, you can reheat the pudding under the broiler. Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish and broil it for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
To reheat the rum sauce, pour it into a small saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's heated to your liking.
If the pudding seems a bit dry after reheating, you can brush it with a little rum or fruit syrup to add moisture and enhance the flavor.
When serving the reheated summer cherry pudding, be sure to spoon the warm rum sauce over the top and garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Interesting Trivia About Cherry Pudding

The sour cherries used in this recipe are a great source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant color. These antioxidants have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the rum sauce in this recipe adds a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional summer cherry pudding.

Is Making Summer Cherry Pudding at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this summer cherry pudding with rum sauce recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of sour cherries and mangoes. While sour cherries may not be as readily available as other fruits, their unique flavor and the indulgent rum sauce could justify the cost. The use of leftover pound cake also adds to the recipe's cost-effectiveness. However, the inclusion of champagne grapes may increase the overall cost. Considering the potential need for special ingredients, the cost for a household of 4 people could range from $20 to $30. Overall Verdict: 8.

Is Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?

This summer cherry pudding with rum sauce recipe, while indulgent, does have some redeeming qualities. The cherries provide a good source of antioxidants and fiber, while the mango in the rum sauce offers vitamin C and additional fiber. However, the use of pound cake, sugar, and rum makes this dessert relatively high in calories, sugar, and fat.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the pound cake with a whole grain or nut-based cake to increase fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cherry mixture or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Swap the dark rum for a smaller amount of rum extract to maintain flavor while reducing alcohol content
Use a lighter whipped cream or yogurt-based topping instead of the rum sauce to cut down on calories and fat
Incorporate more fresh fruit, such as additional cherries or sliced mangoes, to boost the nutrient content and natural sweetness of the dessert

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of this summer cherry pudding while minimizing the less healthy aspects. Remember, moderation is key, and treating yourself occasionally to a special dessert like this can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

Editor's Opinion: Why Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce is a Must-Try

The summer cherry pudding with rum sauce recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of the season. The combination of sour cherries, red wine, and pound cake creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The rum sauce adds a touch of sophistication with its smooth and luscious mango base. The overall presentation is elegant and inviting, making it a perfect finale to any summer meal. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients enhances the dish's appeal, and the thoughtful layering technique ensures a beautiful and impressive dessert. This recipe is a true celebration of summer's bounty and is sure to delight anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.

Enhance Your Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots roasted to perfection and glazed with a rich and tangy balsamic reduction for a burst of flavor.

Honey Roasted Peaches: Juicy and sweet peaches roasted with honey for a caramelized and decadent dessert-like side dish.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chives: Velvety smooth mashed potatoes blended with creamy butter and fresh chives for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries: Zesty zucchini fries coated in crispy parmesan cheese for a crunchy and savory side dish.

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Salad: Grilled vegetables are a great addition to any salad, adding a smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. Mix and match your favorite veggies for a colorful and nutritious dish.

Braised Beef Stew: A hearty and comforting stew made with tender, slow-cooked beef and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Cool off with these refreshing and creamy popsicles made with ripe mango and creamy coconut milk. A tropical treat for hot summer days.

Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Serve with Summer Cherry Pudding

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these delectable savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to the tropics with these crispy coconut shrimp. Each bite is a crunchy, succulent delight, perfect for dipping in a tangy sweet chili sauce. A surefire crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce: For a light and refreshing main course, consider grilling salmon and serving it with a tangy lemon dill sauce. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright flavors of the sauce will surely impress your guests.

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Indulge in a creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto, elevated with a drizzle of luxurious truffle oil. The earthy and rich flavors of the mushrooms combined with the aromatic truffle oil create a truly decadent main course option.

Why trust this Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful summer treat featuring fresh sour cherries and a luscious rum sauce. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds. The use of dry fruity red wine adds depth to the cherries, while the pound cake provides a comforting base. The addition of ripe mango in the rum sauce brings a tropical twist, and the champagne grapes add a burst of sweetness. Trust in the quality and creativity of this recipe to elevate your summer dessert experience.

Curious to hear your experience with this Summer Cherry Pudding with Rum Sauce recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

How can I pit the cherries easily?

To pit the cherries easily, you can use a cherry pitter or a sturdy straw. Simply place the cherry on top of the opening of the bottle and push the straw through the cherry to remove the pit.

Can I use a different type of cake for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of cake if you prefer. Sponge cake or angel food cake would work well with the cherry pudding.

Can I make the rum sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the rum sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Can I substitute the sour cherries with sweet cherries?

While sour cherries are traditionally used in this recipe for their tart flavor, you can substitute them with sweet cherries if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.

Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?

Absolutely! You can use other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or raspberries to make a delicious fruit sauce to accompany the cherry pudding. Just adjust the sweetness and consistency to your liking.