Name: Steamed Golden Syrup Pudding
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients to prepare), or 1 batch homemade brownies; 20 Oreo cookies, crushed (plus more for garnish); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed (divided); 1 (5.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix; 3 cups cold milk; Chocolate shavings or extra crushed Oreos for topping (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden syrup pudding is everything a comfort dessert should be—warm, sticky, and satisfying. The syrup at the bottom of the basin becomes a glossy, sweet sauce once inverted, coating the moist sponge in golden goodness. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples and can be made ahead, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Golden syrup
Self-raising flour
Unsalted vegan butter or margarine
Brown sugar
Plant-based milk (such as soy, almond, or oat)
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt

Directions

Generously grease a pudding basin and pour golden syrup into the bottom.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl and mix gently.
Gradually add the plant-based milk to create a smooth, thick batter.
Spoon the batter into the prepared basin over the golden syrup.
Cover the basin with a layer of parchment paper and foil, pleated in the center to allow for expansion, and tie securely with string.
Place the basin into a large pot with a lid and add boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to top up the water as needed.
Once cooked, carefully remove the basin, let it rest for a few minutes, then invert onto a plate to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
Ginger version: Mix in ground ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
Spotted dick-style: Add sultanas or currants to the batter for a fruity twist.
Orange syrup: Replace golden syrup with marmalade for a tangy variation.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, steam the pudding again for 20–30 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds until hot.
For best results, avoid freezing, as the texture may become dense after thawing.

FAQs

What is golden syrup?

Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored sugar syrup with a deep caramel flavor, often used in British baking.

Can I use maple syrup instead?

Maple syrup has a different flavor and is thinner, but it can be used in a pinch. The pudding will be less sticky and rich.

What kind of basin should I use?

A heatproof ceramic or metal pudding basin with a tight-fitting lid or a securely tied foil cover works best.

Can I steam this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can steam the pudding in a slow cooker on high for 3–4 hours, ensuring water comes halfway up the basin.

How do I know when it’s cooked?

Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the pudding is ready.

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, the pudding can be made a day ahead and reheated by steaming for 30 minutes before serving.

What can I serve with it?

It pairs beautifully with vegan custard, dairy-free cream, or a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream.

Can I bake it instead of steaming?

Steaming yields the traditional texture, but you can bake it in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Is it supposed to be dense?

Yes, steamed puddings are traditionally rich and slightly dense, but still soft and moist.

Can I add spices?

Absolutely. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice can add a warm depth to the flavor.

Conclusion

Steamed Golden Syrup Pudding is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. With its rich, moist sponge and sticky-sweet syrup topping, it’s a showstopper that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to become a household favorite.