Treacle pudding recipe
 A simple steamed syrup sponge, treacle pudding is guaranteed to please. Steam traditionally or microwave in 5 minutes. 180g/6oz unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing3 tbsp golden syrup180g/6oz plain flour3 tsp baking powder3 free-range eggs180g/6oz demerara sugar1 tbsp black treacle 180g/6oz unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 3 tbsp golden syrup 180g/6oz plain flour 3 tsp baking powder 3 free-range eggs 180g/6oz demerara sugar 1 tbsp black treacle Method Grease a 1litre/1¾ pints pudding basin with butter. Put the golden syrup in to the bottom of the basin.In a separate bowl, using an electric hand whisk, mix the flour, baking powder, butter, eggs, sugar and treacle until well combined.Pour the mixture into the basin and cover with a piece of greaseproof paper.Take a piece of tin foil and make a pleat down the middle, then place this over the top of pudding basin and tie it in place like a lid. The pleat allows the foil to expand during cooking.Place an upturned saucer or a ramekin in a deep saucepan and sit the pudding on top. Add boiling water until it comes half-way up the basin. Place a lid on the pan and simmer gently to stream the pudding for about 2¼ hours, topping up the water as necessary.To check if the pudding is cooked, insert a metal skewer into the pudding. If it comes out clean it is ready.Carefully remove the pudding from the pan. Loosen the edges by running a table knife around the pudding and turn out onto a plate. Grease a 1litre/1¾ pints pudding basin with butter. Put the golden syrup in to the bottom of the basin. Grease a 1litre/1¾ pints pudding basin with butter. Put the golden syrup in to the bottom of the basin. In a separate bowl, using an electric hand whisk, mix the flour, baking powder, butter, eggs, sugar and treacle until well combined. In a separate bowl, using an electric hand whisk, mix the flour, baking powder, butter, eggs, sugar and treacle until well combined. Pour the mixture into the basin and cover with a piece of greaseproof paper. Pour the mixture into the basin and cover with a piece of greaseproof paper. Take a piece of tin foil and make a pleat down the middle, then place this over the top of pudding basin and tie it in place like a lid. The pleat allows the foil to expand during cooking. Take a piece of tin foil and make a pleat down the middle, then place this over the top of pudding basin and tie it in place like a lid. The pleat allows the foil to expand during cooking. Place an upturned saucer or a ramekin in a deep saucepan and sit the pudding on top. Add boiling water until it comes half-way up the basin. Place a lid on the pan and simmer gently to stream the pudding for about 2¼ hours, topping up the water as necessary. Place an upturned saucer or a ramekin in a deep saucepan and sit the pudding on top. Add boiling water until it comes half-way up the basin. Place a lid on the pan and simmer gently to stream the pudding for about 2¼ hours, topping up the water as necessary. To check if the pudding is cooked, insert a metal skewer into the pudding. If it comes out clean it is ready. To check if the pudding is cooked, insert a metal skewer into the pudding. If it comes out clean it is ready. Carefully remove the pudding from the pan. Loosen the edges by running a table knife around the pudding and turn out onto a plate. Carefully remove the pudding from the pan. Loosen the edges by running a table knife around the pudding and turn out onto a plate. Recipe tips To cook in the microwave, spoon the mixture into the pudding basin until three-quarters full, then smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Loosely cover with clingfilm (allow room for the clingfilm to inflate as the mixture rises) and place in the microwave for five minutes. The pudding is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to stand for five minutes, before turning out onto a deep plate and remove the basin.