Gooey 1-2-3 Pudding is a warm, comforting baked dessert with gentle spice, raisins, and a thick, sweet sauce that forms as it bakes.

If you are craving a simple, warming dessert, this Gooey 1-2-3 Pudding is a lovely choice. It is the kind of old-fashioned baked pudding that feels right at home on a cold evening, especially when served warm with thin custard, vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of whipped cream. The pudding bakes into a soft, lightly spiced sponge with raisins throughout, while the sugar and boiling water create a rich sauce underneath.

This recipe is ideal when you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and the preparation is straightforward. Apricot jam, butter, milk, flour, raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon come together to make a comforting South African-style pudding that is sweet, gooey, and satisfying.

The beauty of this pudding is in its simplicity. At first glance, the ingredient list may not seem unusual, but once baked, the dessert has a deep, cozy flavor. The apricot jam adds sweetness and a soft fruity note, the raisins give it a familiar fruitcake-like character, and the cinnamon brings gentle warmth. It has the feel of a traditional fruitcake-inspired dessert, but without the heavy mixture of extra fruit and nuts.

This is also a useful recipe for busy days. It does not require complicated techniques, special equipment, or long preparation. Once the batter is mixed and spooned into the dish, the brown sugar, boiling water, and cinnamon are poured over the top. During baking, the pudding rises and turns golden while the sauce forms beneath it. The result is a soft, saucy baked pudding that is best enjoyed straight from the oven while still warm.

For many families, dessert is just as important as dinner, and this Gooey 1-2-3 Pudding is exactly the sort of recipe that earns a regular place on the menu. It is humble, dependable, and especially welcome during the colder months. Serve it in generous spoonfuls with the sauce from the bottom of the dish, and add custard or ice cream for a classic finish.

More dessert ideas you might enjoy:

Gooey Ginger Dessert
Waffle S’mores for Dessert
Cinnamon Orange Bundt Pudding

Gooey 1-2-3 Pudding

Linda Nortje

A warm, comforting baked pudding with raisins, cinnamon, and a thick, sweet sauce that forms while it bakes.

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
South African

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
35 mins

Total Time
45 mins

Servings
10 servings

Calories
183.2 kcal

Ingredients

3 tablespoons smooth apricot jam
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
2 cups flour
½ cup seedless raisins
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups boiling water
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spray a large, deep ovenproof dish with cooking oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine the apricot jam and softened butter until well blended.
Dissolve the baking soda and salt in the milk, then stir this mixture into the jam and butter.
Add the flour and raisins. Stir until just combined, then spoon the batter into the prepared oven dish.
Dissolve the brown sugar in the boiling water, stir in the cinnamon, and pour the mixture over the pudding batter.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and fully cooked.

Notes

Source: adapted from “Spyskaarte vir Elke Seisoen” recipe book.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving: Calories 183.2

Fat 3.9g, saturated fat 2.5g, polyunsaturated fat 1.1g, carbohydrates 37.6g, fiber 1.2g, sugar 15.5g, protein 3.1g.

Nutrition values, where given, are not always accurate. Please also check your ingredient labels.

Serve warm with thin custard, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

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Gooey 1-2-3 Pudding