Remember when a hot pudding meant either hours of steaming on the hob or a little plastic pot zapped in the microwave? For lots of us who grew up in the late ’80s and ’90s, it was very much the second option. M&S is now bringing that idea back with a fresh twist, launching a range of single-serve puddings that go from fridge to spoon in under a minute. There are six to choose from, covering crumbles, sponges and cookie dough, and they’ve just landed in Foodhalls across the country. Here’s what’s in the range, how much each one costs and a few tips for getting the most out of them.
It marks a much-loved comeback for a much-loved ’90s treat.
Microwave puddings were a big deal a few decades ago. Sticky toffee sponges, chocolate fondants and syrup puds suddenly meant you could have something warm and comforting after dinner without spending an afternoon in the kitchen. Before that, a traditional steamed pudding could take a couple of hours, which made it more of a Sunday job than an everyday treat.
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Their popularity has gone up and down over the years, with plenty of shoppers moving on to chilled desserts, ice cream and fancier bakery bits. Lately, though, nostalgia has been driving lots of food trends, and hot puddings are having a bit of a moment again. M&S clearly thinks the timing is right, especially with the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder.
The two crumbles come with the custard already in.
The first two pots in the range are crumbles, and both cost £2.50 each. The Apple & Custard Crumble Pot starts with a Bramley apple filling, adds a layer of Madagascan vanilla custard and finishes with an all-butter crumble topping that’s had oats mixed in for extra crunch. It’s the kind of pudding that would feel at home after a Sunday roast.
The Berry, Apple & Custard version follows the same recipe but adds summer berries to the fruit layer, giving it a slightly sharper, fruitier flavour. Having the custard built in is a handy touch, as it saves you heating up a separate jug. M&S says both are based on crumbles it already sells in its Foodhalls, so regular shoppers might find the taste familiar.
These are rich sponges for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Sponge fans get two options, each priced at £3. The Banana, Caramel & Pecan Pudding uses a butter sponge flavoured with banana purée and brown sugar, which is then topped with caramel sauce and crunchy pecan pieces. It sounds a lot like banoffee in pudding form, and it’s likely to be a hit with anyone who loves a sticky toffee dessert.
The Chocolate, Orange & Hazelnut Pudding is a rich chocolate sponge with bits of orange running through it. It comes covered in chocolate sauce and is finished with a scattering of hazelnuts. Chocolate and orange is one of those pairings people tend to love at this time of year, so it could become a popular pick in the run-up to Christmas.
The cookie dough pots are aimed at younger fans.
Rounding off the range are two cookie dough desserts, again at £3 each. M&S is well known for its cookies, and these pots take that idea and turn it into something you eat warm with a spoon. Each one has a layer of soft, buttery cookie dough sitting on top of a sauce, so you get a gooey, melty mix once it’s heated.
The Double Chocolate Cookie Dough has a dough made with brown sugar and comes with a milk and dark chocolate sauce underneath. The Raspberry & White Chocolate version is studded with white chocolate pieces and paired with a tangy raspberry compote. The retailer has said it expects these two to go down especially well with younger shoppers, and they’re likely to tempt plenty of grown-ups too.
Single-serve puddings are catching on.
One of the big selling points here is that each pot is meant for one person. M&S has said customers had been asking for puddings they didn’t have to share, and it’s easy to see the appeal. If you live alone, or everyone in your house wants a different dessert, a family-sized tart or crumble can end up half-eaten and sitting in the fridge for days.
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Individual pots also make it easier to keep an eye on how much you’re eating, as there’s no temptation to go back for a second slice. They’re handy for lunchboxes, a quick treat after work or a pudding when friends pop round, and you haven’t had time to bake. With six flavours to choose from, everyone can pick their own favourite without arguing over who gets the last spoonful.
Getting the best out of a microwave pudding is simple.
All six pots are designed to be heated in under 60 seconds, but microwaves vary a lot, so it helps to read the instructions on the pack before you start. A higher-powered model might need a little less time, while an older one could need a few extra seconds. Make sure the pudding is piping hot all the way through, especially in the middle, before you dig in.
Let the pot stand for a minute once it’s out, as sauces and fillings can get extremely hot, and the heat will spread more evenly as it rests. Take extra care when serving them to children. If you want to make them feel a bit more special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream or a handful of fresh berries on the side.
When to find them and how the prices compare
The whole range went on sale in M&S Foodhalls on 14 October, so you should be able to spot them now in most larger stores. Smaller branches may carry fewer flavours, so if you’ve got your eye on a particular one, it might be easier to head to a bigger shop. Stock of new lines can also sell quickly in the first few weeks.
At £2.50 for the crumbles and £3 for the sponges and cookie dough pots, they’re not the cheapest puddings around, and making a big crumble at home will usually work out better value per portion. What you’re really paying for is speed and convenience. For a quick weeknight treat when you can’t face washing up a baking dish, they could be just the thing to brighten a chilly evening.
