When the sun is shining bright and summer fruits are at their peak, there’s nothing better than a delicious Individual Summer Pudding to brighten up your day. This delightful dessert captures the essence of the season in a single serving. Layered with juicy berries and encased in pillowy soft bread, each bite is a burst of sunshine. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
**Individual Summer Pudding**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 8-10 slices of white bread, crusts removed
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Berries:** In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the sugar is dissolved. It should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. **Line the Ramekins:** Cut the bread slices into rounds that will fit the bottom and sides of your ramekins. Dip each slice of bread quickly into the berry mixture, ensuring it is fully coated but not soggy. Line the bottom and sides of each individual ramekin with the bread slices, slightly overlapping them.
3. **Fill with Berries:** Spoon the cooked berries into each bread-lined ramekin, making sure to distribute them evenly. Reserve some of the juice to drizzle over the top later.
4. **Top with Bread:** Cut rounds of bread to cover the top of each ramekin. Dip them in the remaining juice before placing them on top of the berries. Press down gently to ensure the bread is in contact with the fruit.
5. **Chill and Set:** Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and place a small plate on top of each one to weigh it down. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld.
6. **Serve:** To unmold, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert it onto a plate. The pudding should slide out easily. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Drizzle any remaining berry juice over the top for extra flavor.
Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet and tangy berries in every spoonful of this Individual Summer Pudding. The contrast of the soft bread with the bursting fruits creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and refreshing. This dessert is a wonderful way to showcase the abundant fruits of the season and impress your guests with minimal effort. So next time you’re looking for a simple yet elegant dessert to elevate your summer gatherings, give this recipe a try.
