At the risk of sounding really, really annoying, last month, when I was last in Paris (I know, I know…), a few journalists and I decided to try our luck at a bar. The bar we visited was called Zero Zero. It had artful graffiti on the outside and sat across the road from where we were staying in the Marais district. The crowd looked urban hipster-ish and the music was a mix of rap and reggae. Most of the crowd were boys in their twenties. Suddenly, a scuffle broke out just near the bar where we were perched and the room full of young stallions sprang to action in a testosterone filled shoving match. Occasionally during this din, we got a gentle shove – it never escalated to punches being thrown but one member of the group asked us “are you ok?”
“Oh I’m fine!!” I said gaily, the effect of the dangerous free-pour mojito which was about 90% rum going straight to my system. “This sort of thing never happens in restaurants. It’s quite exciting! I feel like I’m a kernal of microwave popcorn!” I said.
I know, I am lucky that I didn’t get squashed or hit but cocktails do give you false courage or just complete blindness to danger. Speaking of microwave popcorn, I know it’s not fashionable to use a microwave. I once tried doing without one when ours stopped working but I eventually capitulated and there are times when you honestly feel like you can’t do without one. Like when you are cold and want nothing more than a saucy pudding for dessert.
I first came across this recipe on Uru’s blog Go Bake Yourself. She’s a fab teen food blogger and as she is studying for her exams, she sought comfort in a microwave recipe for a five minute self saucing banana butterscotch pudding. I was fascinated by the idea that you could get a self saucing pudding out of an eggless recipe in the microwave. She assured me that the sauce would somehow miraculously appear so I set about making it one rainy winter’s night.
A part of me wondered if it would work with her assurances assuaged me. Truthfully, the raw batter looks strange and unappetising and it isn’t strictly a five minute job but I thought that perhaps 6 minute pudding didn’t sound as catchy but it doesn’t take more than that really. I adapted it to use tablespoons because the times when I need these sorts of desserts are late at night when I don’t want to go to bed just yet and I want something comforting and the dishes are all done. This just requires a bowl, a jug and a tablespoon or two.
I microwaved it for 60 seconds on 75% power and then in two 30 second bursts on 75% power checking on it between. After the last, I peered at it and clapped my hands excitedly. The pudding was puffy and soft and when I lifted the cling film off and scooped my tablespoon into it, there was a syrupy sweet moat of golden butterscotch. All it needed was a pouring of cream and I had suddenly had my winter night saver.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you own a microwave and do you use it much and do you just reheat or do you cook with it? Or do you feel that you don’t need or shouldn’t use one?
5 Minute Self Saucing Date & Banana Butterscotch Pudding
Adapted from Choc Chip Uru
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 20g or 1 tablespoon butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 3 pitted medjool dates, chopped (optional)
- a dash of vanilla
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons boiling water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
- Also, cream or ice cream to serve
1. In the serving bowl, add the flour, baking powder, brown sugar and cinnamon using a fork or whisk to break up any lumps and to mix it up well.
2. In a jug or another bowl, melt the better and then add the milk, vanilla and banana and mash the banana into the mixture. Add this to the dry flour mixture and stir to combine.
Sauce ingredients
I know, it looks dire, but it becomes something entirely delicious!
3. In a jug or cup, place all of the sauce ingredients (the boiling water will melt the butter) and stir to combine. Pour over the batter in the bowl (yes, I’m serious, you really do pour the liquid over). Then cover with cling film. Microwave on 75% for 60 seconds, then microwave on 75% for 30 seconds until the batter is fluffy and cooked. Carefully remove cling wrap and check underneath for that glorious river of golden sauce. Serve with ice cream or cream.
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91 Comments | Add your own
It’s truly amazing the things you can actually cook in a microwave. We so often forget as we only use it for reheating. But it can cook a multitude of things so quickly. I love making “steamed” veggies in it, especially. Takes so little water that you don’t lose so many nutrients, either.
This pudding is awesome! What a droolworthy dessert.
Cheers,
Rosa
I do cook in the microwave, not a lot mind you. I mostly use the microwave for reheating and it’s great for melting chocolate. I would definitely have a go at this recipe though
Hi Lorraine,
This pudding looks delicious! I’m going to make it for my two wonderful sisters-in-law tonight. Just a quick question; how many do you think it will serve?
Thanks,
Jules
Omg definitely bookmarking this one! Hooray for microwaves I say! Been living in a studio room this year and have just discovered how handy they are to cook with. Thanks so much for sharing Lorraine
As another coincidence, I posted steamed treacle puddings on my blog last night! I think it’s the weather. It’s so cold you just need a hot pudding to get you through. While drinking your mojito you must have thought you were in the middle of a film set. I have a microwave and I couldn’t live without it but I try to use it as little as possible xx
Five MInute Self Saucing Puddings?? Yikes! I want some right now.
I am one of those throw backs who doesn’t have a microwave by choice. A friend gave me one and I sheepishly returned it to her–with profuse apologies. Partly it is because I don’t want to give it counter space; partly because somehow, somewhere deep inside I don’t feel good about them. Who knows? I may relent one day.
Oooh, love, love – I will have to try this. I am a dan of the self saucing pud, but they are usually never for one like this. I normally just reheat or melt in my microwave.
Good morning Lorraine… this pudding sounds delicious! I own a microwave and have delved into microwave cooking. I brought Janelle Bloom to Canberra back in 1997 when she was on TV with Geoff Jansz. Janelle has a couple of brilliant micro cookbooks (you might still find them via ebay etc). She also wrote the Sharp Microwave cookbook, from memory. Through Janelle I have learned to prepare everything from custard to salmon and all sorts of other dishes. I definitely want to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
I use the microwave for lots of things such as reheating and softening butter or brown sugar…two ingredients found in this here recipe! Looks amazing and something I am sure to make later tonight!
This sounds really really yummy but, alas, we don’t have a microwave. Mine is a cottage kitchen and is too small for one. I don’t like them much anyway. They are great for heating coffee, cooking potatoes and not much else. With the amount of impressive cooking you do in your house I’m sure yours must be largely ornamental
This pudding is calling my name! I’ve been craving butterscotch lately. It’s a flavor that I loved as a kid, but it seems to be missing from most “adult” desserts. Not only does this dessert contain butterscotch, but it also looks so warm and cozy.
I’ve got a microwave … I can’t imagine there are many homes without one these days. It’s got lots of whizz bang features but I have to say I only use it for reheating. I refuse to use it for defrosting – seems wrong to me!?
Oooooh, I love this type of recipe. When I was young I used to cook a lot with the microwave. Now I use it mainly to defrost and reheat. I do think I’m going to play around with this though – who doesn’t love banana butterscotch self saucing pud?
This does look yummy and very easy. Both my partner and I put our microwaves out on the street long before we met so agree that we don.t dig the microwave option for us
It’s exciting when you see a recipe and you’ve got every single ingredient ready to go.
I really don’t use my microwave enough. Pretty much to defrost in a hurry or quickly reheat my coffee. I can’t wait to try this dessert.
I’ve never really cooked anything in the microwave but I most definitely couldn’t live without it.
These last few days especially… my heat pack is in there every hour!
Doh! I got so excited at the title of this post, then realised that of course it would involve a microwave which I do not have.
I must admit at home I don’t miss having one. Very rarely (like after reading this) I’d like one. But we do have one at work… Hmmm.. Maybe I whip one up there!
What an awesome quick fix dessert! It sure sounds like that perfect winter warmer. For me, the microwave is used for both cooking and re heating. It really is one of the vital kitchen appliances in my household.
OK, now I am at “the risk of sounding really, really annoying” but we don’t have microwave, and it was our choice. We have enough of free radicals in our life to add one more willingly was out of the questions. It is not healthy, and it was enough reason for us to avoid microwave. Are we the only family, that doesn’t have microwave by choice?!
I’m not a microwave fan, the better use is for heat meal or to melt sugar to make candy for a cream caramel, but I never cook on it. Belive it or not, my mother uses it for cook…!!!
Why, oh WHY is Microwave not fashionable? What’s wrong with cooking in microwave?
I can’t think of life without one anymore. From tea to rice to even vegetables, I cook everything, and then some. And reheating? Without one, forget it.
I think microwave is THE most essential kitchen equipment since refrigerator to be ever discovered and its time it started taking its rightful place.
I lurve Uru. She is such a little genius.
Oh yes I have a microwave and use it to cook all the time less chance of burning, I make bechamel sauce, custard, cook apples for crumble pie etc, cook the cauli and broccoli for the cheese sauce. Melt butter and chocolate, heat milk.
As you can see it is a busy thing!
Yum! Looks divine
Oooo, baby, this looks sinful & devilish. I Like!
Lorraine, have I told you lately that you “”"ROCK LIKE GAGA?!”"”
And I love Go Bake Yourself…I can’t believe she’s only 16.
xx
Ohhhh wow. I love that I have all the ingredients in my kitchen – handy!
I don’t cook meals in the microwave, but I couldn’t be without one. I use it for reheating, frozen veg (beans, peas), melting chocolate, 30-second pappadums…
You had me at 5 minutes
That looks yummy and I will certainly be giving it a try. I couldn’t live without my nuke box!
I WANT that.
No one would guess that it only takes 5 minutes to make that! Looks yummy!
Out of sickbed: thought I would just put my tuppence in. Yes, I do have a microwave which I only use to heat medical warming pads against back pain etc. Having done the amount of learning on radiation/microwaves that I have, I would never cook anything I put in my mouth in one!!
I took a series of classes once on cooking in a microwave but I still use it for melting butter, chocolate or reheating leftovers. I should try Uru’s pudding.
I’d be lost without our microwave, but rarely cook without it. Funnily enough, I do have a similar recipe to this one. Plus the chocolate mug cake one, which is another family favourite.
Yum! I’m making this one ASAP
At times like this, I wished I had a microwave! I used to own one a long time ago, but didnt get one when we moved into our new home.
Oh man this looks amazing and so comforting for my winter blues at the moment. love that you can make it so quickly in the microwave..Dangerous!
This is perfect, The quicker the better..
I love cooking in microwave, sometime delicious recipe like this need just a little microwave action to get going…
Perfect!!
oh that looks amazing – while I am crazy about paris I would prefer to be eating this pudding than being knocked around in a bar
E is really into these puddings so I must give it a try
As for microwaves I wouldn’t be without mine – use it all the time – from reheating, melting, steaming to my heatpack! Love it!
I saw this recipe on Uru’s blog too and have been meaning to try it
It looks SO good and i don’t know if it’s because it’s cold and wet i’m always craving for pudding!
We definitely own a microwave even though I know so many people who don’t lol because of health reasons
I tend to use it for reheating more than cooking but some recipes work like magic in the microwave.
It’s like you know what I am thinking.
I have bananas ready to be cake and I was looking for a steamed banana pudding recipe and then this pops up today! Hooray tonights’s desert is covered!
Thanks for featuring my recipe my friend
And glad you enjoyed it!
I love your twists on it
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
What a scrumptious and fast dessert! I use the microwave mainly for reheating, but I’ve tried individual brownies with good success.
Oh I remember this recipe! I do own a microwave and it’s necessity for me to reheat the leftover to have lunch next day, and I sometimes cheat to cook veggies (like carrots/potatoes/green beans) instead of boiling it. It’s a quick technique that helps my process faster… Love the pudding!
You made that in the microwave?! We both own microwaves, but we’ve never made full desserts in them. This is pretty incredible. It looks delicious!
ohmygoodness. This is brilliant…. and dangerous to my waistline. Whenever I feel like pudding it’s always a spur-of-the-moment decision. Thanks Lorraine.
This food looks so good that makes me hungry!!
I love my microwave which I use to re heat food but also to make these awesome microwave desserts – 5 min chocolate cake in a mug or cheesecake and now I will have to try this! Thanks for sharing.
I came across Uru’s blog earlier day and thought, man, isn’t she fantastic?
At home, I usually use the stove as much as I can to heat up my food but when I’m particulary lazy, I will use the microwave. At work, there is one microwave on our floor for 25 people and it takes FOREVER to heat food so you can imagine how cranky people get, lining up to use the microwave during lunchtime!
YUM! Definitely giving this a go tonight!
I use my microwave mostly to defrost meat or reheat leftovers. I used to use it all the time, to steam vegies and cook meals, but one day I randomly thought about jiggling microwave particles still cooking the food and that fact that I was eating food containing jiggling microwave particles, and it put me off. Silly, I know!
Oh what a fabulous and easy recipe! Your pictures always have me craving for dessert!
Funny that, last night was talking to the boy while craving dessert and he mentioned the idea of a microwaved souffle thought I don’t think that would really work… Then I remembered the mug cake but was too lazy… The idea of a Self saucing pudding though sounds too good not to try!
I’m so not kidding, but my microwave blew up last night! What a coinkydink. I spent today looking for the perfect replacement, maybe a convection one? Maybe I can christen the new one with this recipe
I think i might die if i don’t use my microwave oven…
We have a microwave but I don’t use it much, although we do have this chocolate cake in a mug recipe we make in work when desperate during lunch!
I <3 my microwave. Wouldn't live without it!
I tried this tonight for dessert (measurements may not have been exact) but I made it GF for me (using FG Roberts Plain GF flour) and made 3 x wheaty ones for the rest of the fam. I am biased and say without comparison that mine was the best! Thanks for the idea!
After a couple of shots.. I’m as strong as superman!
Just made this for dessert-yum!!
I omitted the dates and added some dark chocolate chips which worked beautifully.
Next time I will be using a bit less brown sugar or honey as it was very very sweet, coming from me that’s saying something!
Otherwise a fantastic dessert.
OMG! I looked up your 5 minute mug cake on Saturday night when I was desperate for something sweet and I was thinking how it should be possible to make a 5 minute butterscotch self saucing pudding… I didn’t even need to ask & you delivered!! Can’t fault service like that
ERmm…. YUUM! I have a banana left. I am so making it.
Ok now i’ve actually gone back & read it. Awesome! As soon as my house move is complete & I can restock basic baking supplies i’ll be trying this one out.
As for microwaves – my hubby is currently camping on the floor of our new home with no furniture & 2 dogs. He could tell you just how very handy a microwave would be right now!
I don’t use my microwave for much other than melting chocolate or butter, either. I was intrigued when I saw this recipe on CCUs blog. It looks like it turned out enormously well. CCU must be do flattered that you made her recipe.
Oh wow! That looks perfect for winter! I love gooey saucy puddings and so impressive that that one’s made in the microwave!
Looks delicious! My mums been making microwave ‘steamed sponge’ puddings for years, but never seen or tried a self saucing one! Amazing.
I couldn’t live without my microwave, despite people saying you shoulnd’t have one. They are great for defrosting homemade frozen soup and meals, reheating cups of tea and making porridge in when you haven’t got time to stir a pan over the stove. I don’t use it a lot, but they certainly have their uses.
God bless teenagers studying <3
It was delish!
I quadrupled everything and baked it in the oven because I had it on for dinner. It only took 20 mins!
I might go and eat some leftovers now, and kid myself that I look like Nigella
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the comments!!
Laura, Madeleine and Jules, I’m so glad that you guys liked it 
This would be my mama’s ultimate dessert, perhaps i’ll have to make it for her one night!
the other night I had roast potatoes for dinner.
Just roast potatoes. That’s it.
I think I might have this for dinner tonight.
The microwave is my favorite venue for my mug cakes! Apart from that, mostly reheating. This looks like a really delicious dessert. A must try!
I will have to try this when it gets cooler… I need to see that transformation with my own eyes. The end result looks really good. I own a microwave that I never use to cook (except for that sticky rice recipe I posted about) but used it tons to heat up water for the kids’ milk when they were still drinking from bottles. And to sterilize their things. In other words, now that they are older, it sort of sits there. Unless I sometimes reheat things in it.
The microwave is definitely a magical kitchen appliance. Can’t live without it really!! ahha.. Love the idea of this!! I must agree Uru is pretty creative! Great job!! Banana butterscotch pudding…. mmmm!!
I wish I could have unseen this because I happen to have all the ingredients *scream* and I’m now going to tie myself to my chair.
This is torture!
Yes the microwave might not be the most popular kitchen item but it come useful sometimes as I’m not always very organised and often forget to defrost my meat etc. Also useful to reheat meals. And 5 minutes puddings… AHHHH HELP ME!
It’s a little bit dangerous that this can be whipped up in five minutes;)
Made this last night, Wow…Yum! So quick to make. Why would you get a packet mix when this is super fast & tasty. Now that I know its so easy and quick to make its going to difficult resisting making this any time I feel in need of a snack this winter!
i would be nowhere without my microwave; i’ve often wondered how people ever survived without them!
OMG this pudding looks like heaven!
looks not the the prettiest but sounds so yum, and wow so quick….
This looks incredibly warming and satisfying…perfect winter dessert.
I’m a huge fan of the microwave, super convenient for reheating my meals though I’ve never tried cooking a complete dessert in one before so this would be interesting to try!
Bill Granger has a recipe of the same name and was making it on an English cooking show a few weeks ago and I knew I had to try it. You do have to bake it in the oven though but it was worth the wait. I’ve been wanting to make it again so may give this recipe a try
Just made this recipe and it’s deeelish. Very dangerous that it’s too easy!
HI Drew and Melanie-So glad that you liked it and thanks for coming back and letting us know!! Stay warm!
how cool is that!!!!
oh yeah, this rocks,we
are just eating this for dessert tonight. Daughter made one bowl, i made the other. Dad has one to himself, we share the other!
Hi LKO! That’s great!! I’m so glad that you all enjoyed it!
it looks really good but because i have a friend who can’t/doesn’t eat banana what can i substitute it with ?
HI Jay-you can substitute it with dates
me and my mate just made this. it took us a little longer then 5 minutes but we got there and it was yummy as.
I was reading through your recipes last week. On my day off, I set the time aside to make this, as we actually had all the ingredients…and it is absolutely delicious! I munched on the other half of the banana while it was in the microwave. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi, I have been making this and love it
I blogged about it today and the variations I’ve made. It’s an addictive recipe alright!
I’ve done cookies in the microwave, and even mug-cakes, but never self saucing pudding! Will definitely give this a try.
And dangerous free-form mojito drinking sounds like an excellent recreational activity
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[...] Just before leaving, I just wanted to say thanks to Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella who recently made and posted about my 5 minute self saucing banana butterscotch microwave pudding. She has added her own twists so check it out here [...]
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