Pineapple Praline Pudding Recipe
Description:
The Pineapple Praline Pudding is an exquisite and indulgent dessert, perfect for special occasions like parties or birthdays. This delightful dessert features three distinct layers, each harmonizing with the others to create a delicious symphony of flavors. The tangy sweetness of pineapple, the richness of custard, and the crunch of cashew praline all come together in a creamy, luscious pudding that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Sponge Cake Layer (First Layer):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon Pound Cake | 1 whole |
Ingredients for the Pineapple Sauce (Second Layer):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pineapple (peeled, finely chopped) | 1 medium (about 1 Β½ cups) |
| Caster Sugar | Β½ cup (100 grams) |
Ingredients for the Custard (Third Layer):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Agar Agar | 10 grams (dissolved in Β½ cup water) |
| Egg Yolks | 3 large eggs |
| Sugar | 6 tablespoons (90 grams) |
| Condensed Milk | 300 grams |
| Vanilla Extract | Β½ teaspoon |
Ingredients for the Final Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg Whites | 3 large eggs |
| Icing Sugar | 6 tablespoons (75 grams) |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Gelatin | 1 tablespoon (dissolved in 3 tablespoons water) |
Ingredients for Cashew Nut Praline:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons (45 grams) |
| Cashew Nuts | 10 whole, chopped |
| Unsalted Butter | Β½ teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 6 hours (360 minutes)
Cooking Time: 1 hour (60 minutes)
Total Time: 7 hours (420 minutes)
Servings: 6-8
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Nut Praline
- Melt the sugar: In a small pan, heat the sugar over medium-low heat until it begins to melt and turn golden brown. Stir gently to avoid burning.
- Add the cashew nuts: Once the sugar has completely melted, quickly add the chopped cashew nuts and continue to stir for another minute.
- Incorporate butter: Stir in the unsalted butter and continue to mix until the praline mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Set the praline: Pour the cashew praline mixture onto a parchment paper-lined tray or plate. Let it cool at room temperature until hardened, then break it into small pieces. Set aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sponge Cake Layer (First Layer)
- Slice the lemon pound cake: Take your lemon pound cake and slice it into thick layers, ensuring each piece is approximately 1 inch thick. Arrange these slices neatly at the base of your pudding dish, forming the first layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Sauce (Second Layer)
- Cook the pineapple and sugar: In a saucepan, combine the finely chopped pineapple and caster sugar. Cook over medium heat until the pineapple softens and releases its juices, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Allow the pineapple mixture to simmer gently until it reduces and thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Layer the pineapple sauce: Once the sauce has cooled, pour it evenly over the sponge cake layer, ensuring the cake is soaked with the flavorful pineapple sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard (Third Layer)
- Dissolve agar agar: In a small bowl, dissolve the agar agar powder in Β½ cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Mix the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Heat the condensed milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk and the dissolved agar agar mixture. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously, until it begins to thicken.
- Combine the custard ingredients: Gradually pour the hot condensed milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Continue to cook over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it thickens but does not curdle. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the pineapple sauce layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Final Layer
- Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Add icing sugar: Gradually add the icing sugar and continue to beat until the meringue becomes glossy and firm.
- Add lemon juice and gelatin: Stir in the lemon juice and dissolved gelatin (dissolve the gelatin in 3 tablespoons of water before adding it to the meringue).
- Layer the meringue: Gently spread the meringue mixture on top of the custard layer. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Assemble the Pineapple Praline Pudding
- Layer the components: Start by placing the lemon pound cake slices at the base of your pudding dish, followed by the pineapple sauce, custard, and the meringue topping. Repeat the layers if your dish allows, or keep it as a single layered treat.
- Chill the pudding: Refrigerate the assembled pudding for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
- Garnish and serve: Once the pudding has set, garnish with the cashew praline pieces on top just before serving for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Tips for Success:
- Gelatin setting: If you’re in a hurry, you can set the pudding in the freezer for an hour or two, though the refrigerator is best for achieving the perfect texture.
- Layering: Be patient with layering the custard and meringue layers, as they should be smooth and even to get that beautiful final result.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the pineapple sauce and custard layers to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Potassium | 150mg |
This Pineapple Praline Pudding is a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that will be the star of your dessert table. With its three layers of soft sponge cake, sweet pineapple sauce, and creamy custard, all topped with a crispy cashew praline, itβs an unforgettable treat for any celebration. Enjoy!
