Syrup Sponge Pudding

The original of this recipe was found in The Lyle's Golden Syrup Cookbook, 2008, & with the use of the very tasty, UK ingredient, golden syrup, this is certainly a special dessert!

• Ready In: 1 hr 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• FOR THE SPONGE

• 5  tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (plus a little for greasing)
• 1  cup self-rising flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2  large eggs, beaten
• 1  tablespoon  whole milk
• 3  tablespoons golden syrup (Lyle's brand)

• FOR THE SYRUP

• 3  tablespoons golden syrup (Lyle's brand, yes, again!)
• 4  tablespoons  fresh orange juice

Directions

1. FOR THE SPONGE: Butter the inside of a 2-cup oven-proof bowl (or 1 pint pudding basin).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour & baking powder, then set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter & sugar until soft & light, then gradually add the beaten eggs.
4. Beat in the flour & baking powder mixture & then the milk, beating until thoroughly blended.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared bowl, making sure the surface is very level.
6. Line a sheet of aluminum foil with a sheet of greaseproof paper & fold to make a pleat in the center, as this will allow for the expansion of the pudding as it rises.
7. Cover the bowl of batter with the lined foil & wrap it around the rim firmly, then tie a piece of string around it to secure the foil in place.
8. Set the bowl of batter in EITHER a covered steamer OR a covered pan of simmering water & steam for 1 1/2 hours, keeping an eye on the water level & topping it off with boiling water as needed.
9. FOR THE SYRUP: About 10 minutes before the pudding is finished, combine the sauce ingredients in a small pan & heat gently.
10. When the pudding is cooked, remove it from the steamer & unwrap the pudding.
11. Using a knife, carefully ease the edges of the pudding away from the bowl, then turn it out onto a warmed plate & spoon 3 tablespoons of golden syrup over the hot pudding.
12. Finally, pour the warm orange syrup over the pudding & serve!