Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding for one – egg and dairy-free

By lucylox on November 2, 2024

Is there any more comforting dessert than a hot and steamy sticky golden syrup sponge pudding. Fluffy, sweet, warm sponge doused in lashings of sticky syrup and served with cream, custard or ice cream. This type of pudding is the essence of a British winter cosy pud. I'd say it's like a warm hug in a bowl but so often it's seen as a faff to make or it's most likely to be found on pub menus but it will probably not be allergy-friendly or vegan.

A sticky syrup pud isn't an everyday dish, unless you're at school in the UK and then you may very well have a hot sponge pudding with some regularity, but it is one to warm the cockles on a chilly day, and definitely one to turn to to make you feel comforted and cared for.

I've had a recent focus on single serve dishes, for those times when you crave a little something, or perhaps you're the only one at home and you still want a treat. Maybe, your family is like mine and only one person really likes this comforting traditional English style pudding, so if you make a big one it goes to waste. I think there are many reasons and occasions when a single serve sweet treat or pudding could be the answer, hence my single serve dessert series; so far we've had brownies and blondies and now sticky syrup pudding, if you let me know what you'd like next and I'll get creating. 🙂

Back to this sticky syrup pudding; using just simple store cupboard ingredients and a mixing bowl and a ramekin you can have the ultimate comforting Wintery pudding and it takes only 12-15 minutes in the oven too! I had thought of doing a single serve sticky toffee pudding but have opted for this variation because you get a similar vibe but with less faff; you just need golden syrup rather than making a toffee sauce, and you don't have to soak and blend up the dates. If you would like a single serve STP then let me know! I'd say this recipe serves one generously, it could serve two if you just want a taste each, but if you want to serve more I've added a variation in the recipe to make four ramekins so you can serve this as a family dessert too. For bigger crowds, simply multiply the recipe.

I like a good dose of spice in my sticky syrup pudding but if you'd rather a more subtle flavour profile then simply add a pinch of cinnamon and ginger, or just leave it out altogether and just go for the sweet syrup and vanilla flavours instead.

Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding for One - dairy and egg-free

single serve warm and sticky sponge dessert

dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soya-free, sesame-free, vegetarian and vegan

mixing bowl
ramekin

1 tbsp dairy-free margarine (or 15g)
3 tbsp soft brown sugar (or 35g)
1/2 tsp vanilla paste or extract
3 tbsp self-raising flour (or 30g)
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp dairy-free milk (or 15g)
2 tbsp golden syrup

Preheat the oven to 180℃
In a small mixing bowl, cream together the margarine, sugar and vanilla
Stir in the flour, bicarb, cinnamon, ginger and salt, as well as the milk and 1 tbsp syrup
Pour into a ramekin and level off
Bake at 180℃ for 12-15 minutes until risen and golden and skewer comes out clean.
Whilst it is still hot pour the additional tbsp syrup over the top of the hot sponge.
Eat whilst still hot, serving with dairy-free cream , custard or ice cream