Decadent Fig, Pecan & Maple Self-Saucing Pudding Recipe

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

May 16, 2025

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Mastering Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Maple fig and pecan self-saucing pudding is a delightful dessert that combines warm, comforting flavors with a wonderfully moist texture. This recipe marries the natural sweetness of ripe figs, the rich crunch of pecans, and the deep, robust flavor of maple syrup into a classic self-saucing pudding format. What makes this dish truly special is the way the sauce forms beneath the sponge during baking, infusing every bite with luscious, sweet syrup and nutty accents.

This pudding is a fantastic option for home cooks looking for a dessert that is both easy to prepare and rich in flavor, ideal for cozy dinners or festive occasions. The incorporation of wholesome figs and pecans adds a touch of nutrition and depth, making it much more than just a simple pudding. Once mastered, this recipe delivers a warm, inviting dessert that satisfies without fuss.

Jump To

1. Mastering Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
2. Benefits and Advantages of Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
3. Essential Ingredients for Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
5. How to Prepare the Perfect Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Step-by-Step Guide
6. Mastering Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Best Practices
8. Nutritional Value of Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
9. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding
10. Decadent Fig, Pecan & Maple Self-Saucing Pudding Recipe

Benefits and Advantages of Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

This recipe stands out due to its ease and the comforting familiarity of self-saucing puddings, combined with the unique flavor profile offered by figs, pecans, and maple syrup. Preparing this pudding requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, allowing even novice cooks to create an impressive dessert quickly.

From a nutrition standpoint, the use of pecans adds healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, boosting the pudding’s health value while contributing a pleasant crunch and flavor. Figs provide a natural sweetness and are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.

Maple syrup, a key ingredient in the sauce, offers antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and manganese, and it serves as a natural sweetener that complements the other ingredients beautifully. This pudding manages to balance indulgence with a degree of nutritional benefit, appealing to health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Finally, the pudding is versatile for dietary modifications, making it suitable for a range of preferences and requirements. Its beautiful presentation and heartwarming aroma make it ideal for sharing during holidays and special family occasions.

Essential Ingredients for Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Butter (for greasing the baking dishes)
100 g pecan nuts, crushed (a blend of fine and rough pieces)
175 g plain flour, sifted
50 g soft dark brown sugar
75 g vegetable suet
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 large free-range egg
8 tablespoons maple syrup, plus extra for serving
Seeds from 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract)
150 ml whole milk
Cream or custard, for serving (optional)
Fresh or dried figs (optional for topping or mixing for added fig flavor)

Each ingredient plays a significant role: suet helps create the soft pudding texture, bicarbonate of soda acts as a leavening agent, and the combination of maple syrup and vanilla infuses rich sweetness and aroma. Pecans add a pleasing nutty crunch, while the figs introduce natural fruity sweetness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Maple fig and pecan self saucing pudding is highly adaptable. Here are substitutions to tailor it to different dietary needs or ingredient availability:

Vegan and Dairy-Free Variations

Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for greasing and baking.
Use a plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk instead of whole milk.
Substitute vegetable suet with vegan suet or shredded coconut to retain texture.
Serve with vegan custard or coconut cream instead of traditional cream.

Gluten-Free Options

Swap regular plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Make sure your bicarbonate of soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Nut-Free Adjustments

Replace pecans with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.
Remove figs or replace with dried apricots or raisins as alternative natural sweeteners.

Sweetener Substitutes

Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar, honey (if not strictly vegan), or date syrup to suit different dietary preferences.

These substitutions allow you to enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of maple fig and pecan self saucing pudding while meeting specific dietary needs or ingredient constraints.

For those interested in learning more about the health benefits of pecan nuts, check out the detailed resource for insights on how this ingredient supports your wellbeing.

How to Prepare the Perfect Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F/gas mark 5) and generously grease six small teacups or ramekins with butter to prevent sticking.
Second Step: Place 100g pecan nuts into a sandwich bag and crush them using a rolling pin until you have a mix of coarse and fine pieces. Lightly dust the inside of each teacup with the crushed pecans; save the remaining nuts in a bowl.
Third Step: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining crushed pecans with 175g sifted plain flour, 50g soft dark brown sugar, 75g vegetable suet, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, seeds from 1 vanilla pod (or vanilla bean), 1 large free-range egg, and 150ml whole milk. Mix thoroughly to form a batter.
Fourth Step: Pour a tablespoon of maple syrup into each prepared teacup, then fill each cup three-quarters full with the batter mixture.
Fifth Step: Arrange the teacups in a large roasting tray. Pour boiling water into the tray to come halfway up the sides of the teacups, creating a water bath for even baking.
Sixth Step: Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the puddings are golden on top and cooked through.
Seventh Step: Once baked, allow the puddings to stand for a few minutes, then serve warm with cream or custard and a drizzle of extra warmed maple syrup for added sweetness and richness.

This straightforward method produces a luscious, self-saucing pudding balancing rich maple sweetness, nutty pecans, and the warm aroma of vanilla.

Mastering Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Advanced Tips and Variations

Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter for greasing teacups helps with easier mixing and a uniform texture.
Pecan Variations: For a different flavor profile, substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts. Toast the nuts lightly before crushing to enhance their aroma.
Fig Enhancements: Although not explicitly listed, feel free to fold in chopped dried figs into the batter for added sweetness and texture.
Serving Presentation: Serve puddings directly in teacups for rustic charm, or carefully turn them out on plates for a tidy presentation perfect for dinner parties.
Water Bath Care: Make sure the water level in the roasting tray is sufficient halfway up the teacups to ensure gentle, even cooking and a moist pudding.
Vanilla Alternatives: If fresh vanilla pods are unavailable, vanilla extract can be used, but fresh pods provide the best flavor impact.

Try experimenting with nut combinations and the addition of figs to create your signature version of this comforting dessert.

How to Store Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding: Best Practices

Follow these tips to preserve the quality of your pudding:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: The puddings can be frozen unbaked by assembling in freezer-safe ramekins. Freeze flat, then bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat the puddings covered in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to keep them moist and prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Nutritional Value of Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Nutrient	Estimated Amount per Serving	Notes
Calories	Approximately 320 kcal	Energy largely supplied by maple syrup and nuts
Fat	17 g	Includes healthy fats from pecans and suet
Saturated Fat	6 g	Adapted from vegetable suet content
Carbohydrates	35 g	From maple syrup and flour
Protein	5 g	Provided mainly by flour and nuts
Fiber	3 g	Dietary fiber from pecans and figs (if added)

This pudding offers a comforting energy boost from natural sugars and fats and contains dietary fiber, making it a balanced indulgence. For detailed info on pecan benefits, visit Health Benefits of Pecan Nuts. Discover more about Maple Syrup Nutrition.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Can I substitute the vegetable suet with butter?

Yes, you can replace vegetable suet with an equal amount of cold unsalted butter for a slightly different texture and flavor. Butter will make the pudding richer but less traditional in texture.

How can I make this pudding vegan?

Use a plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg, substitute vegetable suet with vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly.

What can I serve with this pudding?

Maple fig and pecan self-saucing pudding is delicious served warm with cream, custard, vanilla ice cream, or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the pudding from drying out?

Ensure there is enough boiling water in the roasting tray during baking for a moist steam environment. Cover the puddings loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Decadent Fig, Pecan & Maple Self-Saucing Pudding Recipe

Mastering Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Benefits and Advantages of Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding

Essential Ingredients for Maple Fig and Pecan Self Saucing Pudding