| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 10g | 5g | 66g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 51g | 2g | 6g | 0.1g |
There’s something intrinsically heartwarming about a good dessert, and Pawpaw Pudding is a personal favorite of mine. The Southern half of my upbringing lends a particular fondness for this recipe. The pawpaw, a comforting yet underappreciated fruit, lends a tropical twist reminiscent of my West African roots, making this recipe an embodiment of the Afro-Southern fusion I’m so enthusiastic about.
A Healthful Sweetness
The beauty of Pawpaw Pudding doesn’t end with its delicious taste. This recipe packs a nutritional punch, too. Pawpaws are not only flavorful; they’re high in vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and several beneficial antioxidants. The nutmeg and cinnamon also add a touch of spice and warmth, in addition to providing some significant nutmeg health benefits and cinnamon health benefits.
A Simplicity That Shines
What I love about Pawpaw Pudding is not only the nostalgic connection to my past or its health benefits. It’s also the simplicity of the recipe itself. With ingredients like milk, eggs, butter, and flour, it uses common pantry items that are typically on hand, making it an excellent choice for impromptu dessert cravings.
While it’s a standalone dish, Pawpaw Pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you’re a fan of Southern desserts like peach cobbler or banana pudding, I have no doubt that Pawpaw Pudding will find a special place in your heart, too.
So if you’re looking to try something familiar yet subtly different, if you’re seeking a dessert that bridges the gap between Southern comfort and African flare, give Pawpaw Pudding a chance. You just might find yourself with a new favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large ripe pawpaws
- 1 cup of white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two
Cut the ripe pawpaws in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Peel the skin off and roughly chop the flesh into small pieces. Measure to ensure you have about 2 cups of chopped pawpaw.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter. Stir in the chopped pawpaw. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the pawpaw mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Lastly, add in the ground nutmeg and cinnamon and stir until fully incorporated.
Step Five
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, ensuring to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Six
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon. Enjoy your homemade Pawpaw Pudding!
