While searching for recipes to use up the apples I had on my counter, I ran across a depression era apple pudding that was intriguing because the pudding was mixed, smoothed out in a baking dish, and covered with boiling water before baking. My first attempt was an excellent pudding, but I thought it needed something. I added more spices (I love English mixed spice and baking spice – almost like apple pie spice), some dried cranberries for a tart bite or two, and coated the apples with a sprinkle of lemon juice. This easy Old Fashioned Baked Apple Pudding is the delicious result, and it is requested at my house often when apples are in season.

This pudding, which is best served warm, is great for holiday entertaining – a tree trimming party, family and friends dropping by, or just a cold snowy night. You can choose any type of apples you like, or use a mixture of your favorite variety of cooking apples. I like to use a mixture of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and/or Pink Lady.

8 Servings

1 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice, or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup milk

4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch chunks (about 4 medium apples)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup dried cranberries, (optional)

2 cups boiling water

Sweetened whipped cream, or ice cream for serving

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Spray a 2 quart glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder; stir in the milk. The mixture will seem dry, but that's how it is supposed to be.
3. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the apples and stir them into the flour mixture along with the cranberries, if using. Keep stirring until the apples start to exude their juice and the mixture becomes a bit moister.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Dot with the butter, and pour the boiling water over; do not stir.
Bake 40 - 45 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and serve with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 Calories from Fat 8
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 23% Protein 5% Carb. 72%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 14 mg
Sodium 289 mg
Total Carbohydrate 36 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 7% Calcium 0% Iron 5%