1. Arctic roll
Looking to top off your dinner on a roll? This icy beauty will have kids and adults alike watering at the mouth and begging for another slice. Best of all this classic frozen dessert is a lot easier to make than you think. The very best arctic roll is made of three delectable ingredients. Vanilla ice cream and homemade strawberry jam on a light sponge cake.
Try our twist:
Take this dessert down a whole new path by combining to classic puds to create the Black Forest Arctic Roll. Swap out that vanilla sponge cake for a robust chocolate version and replace the sweet strawberry jam for a tart black cherry jam. You could also turn both these version into an unforgettable baked Alaska complete with a toasted meringue topping.
2. Pineapple upside-down cake
Pop open a can of pineapple rings and prepare for some gooey goodness. This pineapple upside-down cake is the perfect addition to a cup of tea or coffee with good friends and family. Improve the occasion with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and plenty of nostalgic anecdotes of good times in days gone by.
Try the twist:
Go Bananas! This sticky delight is an irresistible version of the beloved classic. Instead of pineapple rings, caramelized bananas sit atop a spice laced sponge cake. Don’t forget to save a slice for night snack with a cold cup of milk.
3. Jell-O & ice cream
We call it “jelly” on this side of the lake, but the gelatinous tower of fantastically colored “jello” is delicious no matter where it is served –– definitely a welcome delight on a warm summer afternoon. Presentation is everything here so avail yourself of the classic mold and choose some stunning color and flavor combinations. Check out our simple guide to assembling the jello tower of your dreams and applying flavors most favored in a Great British Jelly.
Try the twist:
Take this plan on the road with our exquisitely layered Pimms jelly jars, perfect for picnics and outings of all types. Go wild with your layering and additives too. Chopped summer fruits topped with cream is always enticing and you could even shake up the textures and flavors by throwing in some chopped cucumbers and a sprig of mint. If it’s a party you are preparing for, better make things exciting with jello shots, check out our guide on perfecting these spiked pleasures.
4. Bread & butter pudding
Got some bread heading fast to its expiration date? Add some traditional holiday flavor with bread pudding. Stale unwanted slices can be crafted into a golden brown bread & butter pudding. It all starts with a vanilla custard that is layered with slices of bread, dried fruits and a bit of lemon zest. Place this in the oven and bake until the top layer develops a perfect crisp.
Try the twist:
Because we simply can’t resist combining good ideas, we present to you, the roly-poly pudding. It’s the same delicate custard base featuring swirls of exciting colors and all-new flavors. You can also use a rich chocolate custard and glaze with marmalade for a filling snack perfect for a relaxing weekend. Our toffee apple bread & butter pudding is another instant classic.
5. Sticky toffee pudding
If there was a pudding that really “takes the cake” it is the sticky toffee pudding. By far the crown jewel of the British dessert cart, this relatively simplistic dessert can be mastered in no time. Serve this treat warm and topped with molasses then bask in the satisfaction of your dinner guests.
Try the twist:
Also available in a lighter vegan friendly presentation complete with dates, pears and slices. Have you run out of time and need to speed things up? Check out this speedy version that can be prepared and plated in 15 minutes flat.
6. Crumble
Crumble is as adaptable and versatile as it is warmly welcomed by all. Just look in the pantry for the fruits that need to be used first, of course apples are the traditional and classic ingredient, but any fruit can be used and enhanced with added caramels and assorted berries. Crumble has practically been inducted into the treasury of national culture and there is no reason to limit this marvel to one type. Look over our comprehensive list of crumbles and the perfect occasions for each.
Try the twist:
Got a large supply of fruit that is rapidly approaching its expiration date? Try out our orchard crumble that includes figs, apples, black berries and plums. These can even be set in easy muffin forms and baking pans. Looking for a more traditional form that retains the crumble experience? Try out our apple crumble loaf, even the most finicky of eaters will be compelled to have another slice.
7. Spotted dick
No list of traditional British desserts would be complete without a mention of this delicious traditional steamed pudding. Old-school suet, juicy currants and citrus zest combine to create a delightful explosion of flavors.
Try the twist:
The original recipe can be prepared in the microwave in under ten minutes, see how here. You can also create a spiked sloe-gin fruity pudding that is inebriating and definitely not for the underage folk.
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