19^th Century: Cabinet Pudding

This pudding is also sometimes called ‘Newcastle pudding’, ‘diplomat pudding’ or ‘Chancellor’s pudding’, though the connection with politics isn’t clear. Recipes also vary. Most recipes are tipsy puddings – much like a trifle – with pieces of sponge cake or sometimes even plain buttered bread or biscuits soaked in booze layered with dried fruits and custard. These are placed in a fancy mould and the pudding is then steamed.