Top 10 most comforting pudding recipes

There are desserts, and then there are puddings. Puddings transcend the realms of ‘sweet course that ends a meal’ to occupy a higher food plane, one that warms you from within and leaves you feeling deeply comforted.

Often, the urge for pudding comes at unexpected times after an evening meal, on those nights when a pang for something sweet takes hold.

To serve those emergency situations, we’ve not only rounded-up our most comforting puddings, but we’ve specifically chosen recipes that can be ready in under an hour (in some cases, less than 20 minutes).

But, beyond that – because we are truly committed to last-minute pudding problem-solving – we’ve picked recipes with minimal ingredients, some of which use common storecupboard staples, like canned fruit and ready-made cheats.

So, put on your comfies, plant yourself on the sofa and bring on the hug-in-a-bowl – here are our top 10 most-warming pudding recipes that are guaranteed to hit the spot.

For more ideas, see our nostalgic traditional pudding recipes or the indulgent British classic, queen of puddings. And, don’t forget our decadent self-saucing pudding recipes. Try our best ever family puddings, or take a trip down memory lane with our best school dinner puddings.

For food ideas during the colder months, check out our comfort food recipes, including more of our comforting dessert recipes. There’s more where that came from with indulgent baking recipes and seasonal ideas for warming winter desserts. If you’re feeling extra-autumnal or want to host a dinner party this season, try out our top 10 autumn recipes.

Best comforting puddings

1. Coconut, rum & raisin rice pudding

We love rice pudding on many levels, not least the whimsical nostalgia factor. This dish is also one of the most inclusive on our list, as it’s gluten-free. While we love a bowl of canned rice pudding with a dollop of jam, this deluxe version takes it to another level. The base includes butter, coconut milk and double cream, all perked up by a rum syrup. Serve hot or cold, or try out other comforting rice puddings in our collection.

If you’d like a comforting vegan version, try our vegan rice pudding with pear & berry compote.

2. Peach cobbler

Continuing the retro theme, behold our traditional peach cobbler. To make this 50-minute fruity feast, bake canned peaches with spices before topping them with dollops of cinnamon-infused dough. Bake until the scone-like topping is golden, then serve hot with ice cream. We have other easy fruit cobblers and a wide range of seasonal plum and apple puddings.

3. Easy chocolate molten cakes

A spongey outer and indulgent gooey centre are the best qualities for a chocolate molten cake. Make a batch of these puddings after dinner to treat guests to homemade chocolatey goodness. For other easy recipes for chocolate lovers, try our mug cake recipes. Or, check out our collection of chocolate cakes and desserts.

4. Apple & almond crumble pie

Combine two classics to make the ultimate feel-good pudding. It delivers in flavour and texture, with double pastry and stewed apples being the stars of the show. It’s super-easy to make, too, and doesn’t take much time at all, so it’s great for last-minute guests or a spontaneous post-dinner sweet treat. Serve with custard or ice cream. We have a selection of apple pies to try and some of the best apple crumbles, too. Berries and other seasonal stewed fruit would be lovely as well – check out more in our crumble collection.

5. Next level sticky toffee pudding

If you’re looking for the ultimate light pudding of your dreams, look no further than this next level sticky toffee pudding. It contains dates, a splash of rum, pecans, rich muscovado sugar and winter spices to usher in the new season. Enjoy this with ice cream or clotted cream and loads of toffee sauce. We have other flavour pairings and twists on the classic in our collection of sticky toffee pudding recipes.

Don’t let your vegan diet make you miss out on this British staple – try our vegan sticky toffee pudding.

6. Bakewell pudding

Try making this egg-based pud for a warm and cosy alternative to the bakewell tart. Made using only 10 ingredients, including shop-bought pastry, it’s an easy option that’s not too expensive. Serve warm with ice cream, if you like.

7. Salted caramel chocolate torte

Salted caramel is a trend that doesn’t seem to be abating anytime soon. A touch of salt complements the sweet caramel, which cuts through the rich and bitter dark chocolate. With a crisp and buttery biscuit base, this indulgent chocolate torte is one for true chocolate lovers, and is elegant enough for a dinner party.

If you want a chocolatey vegan option, check out our beautifully dense vegan chocolate cake.

8. Lemon drizzle sponge pudding

Go all out with this lemon drizzle sponge pudding. It’s cheap and quick to make, and is even self-saucing thanks to the clever recipe. Serve with cream or custard for extra indulgence. For everything lemon-flavoured, try out our lemon cake recipes, from drizzle cakes and traybakes, to cheesecakes and crumbles.

9. Chocolate & salted caramel waffle bread & butter pudding

Comforting and warm, this exciting twist on a classic pudding is worthy of celebration. Make a chocolate & salted caramel waffle bread & butter pudding for friends and family, and watch it become a favourite. To use up ready-made waffles or learn to make your own, check out our waffle recipes.

Or, use soy milk to make this vegan date & chocolate bread & butter pudding.

10. Lemon & raspberry doughnut pudding

If you’re of the opinion that doughnuts are indulgent enough on their own, look away now. This genius bake combines shop-bought jam doughnuts with ready-made custard, lemon curd and fruit. This is a bit of an outlier, as it takes a shade over an hour to make, but it’s so easy to assemble, we’re sure you’ll forgive us.

No-oven pudding recipes

Want a pudding fix but don’t want to turn on your oven? These clever dessert recipes are cooked using alternative methods, like microwave and slow cooker.

Slow-cooker treacle sponge
The best slow-cooker desserts
Top 10 microwave desserts
Air-fryer doughnuts
Our top no-bake desserts