Grandma’s Cottage ‘Pudding’
A warm and comforting childhood favourite that is sure to impress!
Written by Karlee Davidson, a Student in the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science program at the University of Alberta, reviewed by our Health Stand Nutrition Dietitian Team.

Do you know those recipes that just bring you back home? The aroma throughout the kitchen, the simple ingredients and preparation, the people you share your most favourite childhood memories with. This is that recipe for me!
This cottage ‘pudding’ recipe is delicious and so fun and simple to make! It’s deceiving, because it is a light, fluffy cake and not actually pudding. It is the traditional name for the dessert my family and I grew up loving. My grandmother would make it after Sunday dinner and it was our absolute favourite. It has a subtle vanilla flavour and a mouth-watering coconut brown sugar drizzle on top. It pairs perfectly with tea or milk and comes together in no time!
What You Need
For the pudding:
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour (or flour of choice)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the sauce:
- 5 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 5 tbsp white-whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp rum
How to Make the Cottage Pudding Recipe:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ glass baking dish and set aside.
- In a stand-up mixer or bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Blend until well incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then add the dry ingredients- flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk. Mix again. Pour the mixture into the prepped dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
- For the sauce, in a small pot over medium heat, combine the coconut oil or butter, flour and salt. Stir with a whisk until smooth, then add the brown sugar (about 5 minutes). PS- it also should smell amazing at this point!
- Add 3 cups of boiling water, once thickened, add the vanilla and rum. Heat for another 5 minutes then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately over the ‘cake’ and top with fruit if desired, enjoy!
If you tried this cottage pudding recipe, or if you created your own variation, make sure to post a photo and tag us on Facebook and Instagram @maderight.nutrition
Nutrition is so much more than calories and nutrient breakdown. It is about connection, tradition, and nourishment. Prepare your favourite recipes surrounded by good company and good food, and see how you can enjoy food just how it is meant to be, enjoyed!
Nutrients per 1 serving (slice) without sauce:
162 Calories
26 g Carbohydrate
5 g Protein
4.3 g Fat
1.4 g Fiber
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