Eve's Pudding

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples
   Peel, core and slice the cooking apples into thin slices. Place them in a 23cm (9-inch) ovenproof baking dish. Sprinkle with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, then toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly.
2. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4) and lightly grease the sides of the baking dish if you haven't already.
3. Make the sponge batter
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg to prevent curdling. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Finish the batter
   Gently fold in the remaining flour and salt with a metal spoon or rubber spatula until fully incorporated. Add the milk and fold again until you have a smooth dropping consistency.
5. Assemble the pudding
   Spoon the sponge mixture over the prepared apples in the baking dish, and carefully spread it to cover all the apples. Create a smooth, even layer with a slight dip in the center to allow for rising during baking.
6. Bake the pudding
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the sponge is golden brown, well-risen and springy to the touch. Insert a skewer into the center of the sponge - it should come out clean when the pudding is done.
7. Serve warm
   Allow the pudding to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. It's best enjoyed warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream poured over the top.