Homemade classic British puddings are on the verge of extinction. Once the staple of every family dinner, today only 2% of British households make a daily homemade pudding, according to new research. In a bid to halt the decline and reawaken interest in the long history of these foods, we are introducing new pudding-inspired ice cream flavours for visitors to our historic sites, as well as launching a recipe book filled with classic British bakes.

The decline of the British pudding appears to have started in the 1970s, when more women began to enter the workforce, causing a shift in family dynamics. Whilst nearly half (49%) of those born before 1970 say that their parents made puddings several times a week, even during the hottest days of summer, that was the case for only 25% of those born in the 1970s (aged 45-54). The decline has continued ever since – with only 14% of 18–24-year-olds saying their parents made puddings several times a week and 28% saying their parents never made homemade puddings. Today, 62% of British households make puddings once a month or less, with 35% never making any at all.

Classic hot puddings such as crumbles, pies and steamed puddings remain popular (with 36% of people naming them as their favourite, followed by cake at 18%). However, in reality, ‘easy’ cold desserts are much more commonly eaten. Likely chosen as the healthier option, fresh fruit is now the most widely consumed dessert (with 68% of people eating it), closely followed by ice cream at 66%. Indeed, people are 68% more likely to eat frozen desserts (such as ice cream) than homemade traditional puddings, despite only 9% of people declaring them their favourite.

The research also revealed classic puddings are much less popular amongst younger people. Only 17% of under 25s named classic hot puddings such as crumbles and steam puddings as their favourite dessert, in comparison to 45% of over 55s.

As we battle to reignite Britain’s love affair with historic puddings, this summer we have introduced two new pudding-inspired ice cream flavours to our sites, as well as publishing a recipe book filled with classic bakes. Created in partnership with ice cream aficionados Northern Bloc, the new Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple Crumble and Custard flavours are now exclusively available at English Heritage sites across the country and give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the nation’s best desserts on a hot summer’s day out.

Meanwhile, we are also launching The English Heritage Baking Book in early September. The ultimate guide to classic British bakes, it not only contains recipes for all the nation’s favourite puddings but also many of the forgotten ones, such as soul cakes and cabinet pudding, accompanied by notes on their history. From the medieval (and meaty!) roots of the mince pie to the late 18th century ritual of afternoon tea, the book examines the origins of Britain’s sweet treats and gives easy instructions on how to make them. The book will be available at English Heritage shops from September and can now be pre-ordered at Waterstones.

Dr Andrew Hann, Senior Curator of History at English Heritage, said,

“Sweet puddings are closely intertwined with British history and although our waistlines might benefit, I think we’d all agree, it would be a huge shame for them to die out.  Recipes for sweetened meat pies can be found as far back as medieval times and, by the Tudor and Stuart periods, sweetmeats and puddings sweetened with honey or fruit were common, although many would also have contained meat. Our love affair with puddings has continued ever since, peaking in the 1950s, with access to a wider and more affordable variety of ingredients than ever before.

“However, the research shows a clear shift away from the traditional dessert over the past 50 years. As more women entered the workforce from the 1970s onwards, households no longer had as much time to cook and started to prioritise convenience. People tend to ‘like what they know’ and, over time, this has led to puddings falling out of fashion with younger generations who rarely eat them. If this decline continues, we can expect the classic Great British pud to all but vanish within the next 50 years. I’m pretty sure I speak for most people when I say that is not something we want to happen! There truly is nothing better in life than syrup sponge smothered in custard.”

The exclusive pudding-flavoured ice creams will be available at all English Heritage cafés and ice cream vans this summer. The English Heritage Baking Book will be available at English Heritage shops from September and can be pre-ordered now from Waterstones.

Footnotes

62% of British households stated they made puddings once a month or less (27%) or never (35%).

36% of people named steamed puddings (10%), fruit crumbles (19%) or pastry-based baked pies or tarts (7%) as their favourite puddings.

17% percent of 18-24 year olds named steamed puddings (4%), fruit crumbles (10%) or pastry-based baked pies or tarts (3%) as their favourite puddings. 45% of respondents over 55 named steamed puddings (11%), fruit crumbles (27%) or pastry-based baked pies or tarts (7%) as their favourite puddings.

838 people eat homemade traditional puddings at home, in comparison to 1405 people saying they ate ice cream at home. Ice cream is therefore eaten 68% more than homemade traditional puddings.