Steamed Carrot Pudding

Picture this: a warm, spiced pudding, soft and tender with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite just bursting with comforting flavors. That’s exactly what you get with Steamed Carrot Pudding—a cozy, old-fashioned dessert that’s as delightful as it sounds. The sweetness of carrots paired with rich spices and a subtle molasses flavor makes this pudding feel like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just need something comforting to enjoy at home, this dessert is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll fall in love with the homey, nostalgic vibes!

Why You’ll Love Steamed Carrot Pudding

• Comforting & Cozy: The warm spices and soft texture make it the perfect dessert to snuggle up with during colder months or when you just need a little indulgence.
• Old-Fashioned Charm: This recipe has been loved for generations, and it’s a wonderful way to bring a little vintage flair to your dessert table.
• Moist & Flavorful: The combination of grated carrots and a rich batter results in a pudding that’s incredibly moist and full of flavor—every bite is like a little taste of home.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a cozy celebration, this pudding makes for an elegant yet comforting treat.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Steamed Carrot Pudding are simple and straightforward, but together, they create a dessert that’s rich and flavorful. Let’s break it down:

For the Pudding

• Carrots: Fresh, grated carrots are the base of the pudding, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness to the pudding and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar: For that lovely, caramel-like sweetness. It also pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the pudding.
• All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that helps form the structure of the pudding.
• Baking powder: Provides lift, making sure your pudding is light and fluffy.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping everything come together.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and depth of flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Pairs perfectly with cinnamon to give the pudding that cozy, holiday-inspired vibe.
• Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle hint of vanilla, making the pudding even more fragrant.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making Steamed Carrot Pudding is a breeze—just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer

Fill a large pot or steamer with water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the pudding mold. Bring the water to a simmer while you prepare the pudding mixture. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a heatproof bowl and cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Carrots

Fold the grated carrots into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The carrots will add natural moisture to the pudding and contribute to its soft texture.

Step 5: Pour Into the Mold

Grease a pudding mold or heatproof bowl and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top to ensure it cooks evenly.

Step 6: Steam the Pudding

Carefully place the pudding mold into the steamer, cover it with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check the water level occasionally and add more if needed.

Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve

Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm with a drizzle of heavy cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Steamed Carrot Pudding

• With Cream or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a pour of heavy cream takes this pudding to the next level of indulgence. You can even add a little drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness!
• With Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream would be a simple but perfect topping, adding a light contrast to the pudding’s dense texture.
• As Part of a Festive Dessert Spread: Serve it alongside other traditional desserts like mince pies or fruitcakes for a delightful holiday spread.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and reheat it gently before serving. Just steam it for a few minutes to warm it through.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming it again or microwaving it with a damp paper towel.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste—add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for even more complexity.
• Mold Options: If you don’t have a pudding mold, you can use a heatproof bowl or any dish that fits inside your steamer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a pudding mold?
A1: Yes, a cake pan will work just fine. Just make sure it’s heatproof and fits comfortably in your steamer.

Q2: Can I bake this pudding instead of steaming it?
A2: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q3: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can steam it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat by steaming it for a few minutes before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftover pudding?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently by steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel.

Q5: Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the pudding?
A5: Absolutely! You can fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.

Q6: How do I make this pudding dairy-free?
A6: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version of this pudding.

Q7: Can I make this pudding gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Q8: What should I do if I don’t have a steamer?
A8: You can create a makeshift steamer using a large pot and a heatproof bowl. Just make sure the water doesn’t touch the pudding, and cover it tightly with foil or a lid.

Q9: Can I freeze Steamed Carrot Pudding?
A9: Yes! Once the pudding has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q10: Can I make a smaller portion of this pudding?
A10: Yes! You can halve the ingredients and use a smaller mold or bowl to create a smaller batch.

Conclusion

This Steamed Carrot Pudding is a heartwarming, nostalgic dessert that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your belly with joy. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or just whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting and sweet. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dessert that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab your steamer, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of this delicious, spiced pudding today!

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