Desserts are often seen as guilty pleasures—but what if you could enjoy indulgence with a hint of health? Enter Arabian Pudding, a creamy, decadent, and comforting dish that transforms traditional ingredients into a healthy dessert option you’ll love serving to your family or guests. This recipe offers the richness of Middle Eastern flavour with mindful tweaks that make it lighter without compromising taste—perfect for those in the UK seeking nutritious dessert options that satisfy both tradition and dietary awareness.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 750 ml low-fat or semi-skimmed milk
- 3.5 tbsp vanilla custard powder
- 5–6 tbsp raw cane sugar (or natural sweetener like honey if preferred)
- 6–8 slices of wholegrain or brown bread (crust removed, for extra softness)
- Whipped cream (low-fat or plant-based options available)
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds
- 2 tbsp chopped cashews
Step-by-Step Culinary Process:
Step 1: Preparing the Custard Base
Start by bringing 750 ml of milk to a boil in a non-stick saucepan. While the milk is heating, create a smooth custard slurry by mixing 3.5 tablespoons of vanilla custard powder with a little cold milk in a separate bowl. Once the main batch of milk is at a boil, gently whisk in the slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Cool the Custard
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
Step 3: Layering the Bread
In your dessert dish, lay down a single layer of bread slices—ensure they cover the entire base. Pour a generous amount of the cooled custard on top, making sure all the bread is thoroughly soaked. Repeat this layering process 2–3 times, depending on the depth of your dish.
Step 4: Set and Chill
Refrigerate the layered pudding for 30–60 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the custard to firm up slightly.
Step 5: Final Touch with Whipped Cream
After chilling, spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the top. This adds a luxurious finish while keeping the overall dessert light.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped almonds and cashews over the top for crunch, nutrition, and a lovely nutty aroma. Serve chilled, ideally after a hearty meal, as a refreshing and indulgent finale.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 150g):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g (can be reduced by using low-fat milk and whipped cream)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g (adjustable with alternative sweeteners)
- Fibre: 2g
- Calcium: 25% of daily recommended intake
- Sodium: 100mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on brands and quantities used.
Health Benefits: Why It’s a Smart Sweet Choice
Choosing Arabian Pudding as a healthy dessert allows you to enjoy the following benefits:
- Calcium & Protein from Milk: Milk is a rich source of both, crucial for bone health and muscle maintenance.
- Wholegrain Bread for Fibre: Using brown or wholegrain bread increases the fibre content, aiding digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.
- Heart-Healthy Nuts: Almonds and cashews provide healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
- Controlled Sweetness: By using natural sweeteners or limiting sugar, you manage your sugar intake while still enjoying dessert.
Serving Suggestions:
Arabian Pudding is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
- Chilled with a Dusting of Cinnamon for added warmth
- Alongside Fresh Berries like strawberries or blueberries for a fruity contrast
- With a Drizzle of Honey for extra natural sweetness
- As Part of a Dessert Platter with figs, dates, and nuts for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired spread
Perfect for Eid celebrations, Ramadan Iftar, or weekend family dinners, this pudding fits every occasion.
Why UK Households Will Love This Healthy Dessert
UK consumers are increasingly mindful about what they eat, especially when it comes to sweets. With rising demand for healthy dessert options that don’t taste bland or artificial, Arabian Pudding stands out. It delivers authentic flavour, budget-friendly ingredients, and a nutritional profile suited for both adults and children. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.
Tips to Make It Even Healthier:
- Swap Sugar for Stevia or Honey
- Use Almond or Oat Milk for a dairy-free alternative
- Choose Low-Fat Whipped Cream or coconut cream
- Add Chia Seeds between layers for omega-3 and fibre boost
- Include Dates or Figs for natural sweetness
Final Thoughts
Arabian Pudding is proof that dessert doesn’t have to be decadent to be delicious—or unhealthy to be satisfying. With just a few thoughtful ingredient choices, you can create a healthy dessert that delights the taste buds and nourishes the body. Whether you’re in Birmingham, London, or Glasgow, this pudding fits right into modern UK kitchens that embrace fusion flavours and mindful eating.
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