Warm, Comforting, and Nutritious
This Spelt Clootie Dumpling brings a traditional Scottish pudding to your table with a lighter, nuttier texture. Using whole spelt flour makes it tender yet firm, while raisins give a natural sweetness throughout. It is a simple recipe that delivers reliable results every time.
The dumpling cooks gently in a cloth, ensuring even cooking and a moist, dense interior. The finish in the oven creates a slightly dry, traditional exterior. Perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or as a dessert with custard. This version stays approachable while keeping classic flavours intact.
Why You’ll Love It
Spelt flour gives the dumpling a subtle nutty depth that complements the warmth of cinnamon and ginger. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to source in the UK. You don’t need special equipment — a large pot, a cloth, and basic utensils are enough. The pudding is versatile and pairs beautifully with custard, cream, or a drizzle of golden syrup.
It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to prepare. Even beginners can follow the steps without stress. Plus, the use of raisins keeps the flavour naturally sweet without refined sugar overload.
Spelt Clootie Dumpling
Description
This Spelt Clootie Dumpling is a moist, dense Scottish pudding made with whole spelt flour and sweet raisins. Gentle steaming and a quick oven finish give it a traditional texture. Serve with custard or cream for a comforting, classic dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
For the cloth
Instructions
Prepare the cloth.
- Boil the cloth to sterilise it. Wring out thoroughly, butter the centre, and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients.
- Combine spelt flour, breadcrumbs, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir evenly.
Add wet ingredients.
- Add grated apple, melted butter, milk, egg, and treacle. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Shape and wrap.
- Place dough in the centre of the cloth. Gather edges and tie securely with kitchen string. Leave room for expansion.
Boil the dumpling.
- Place a heatproof plate at the bottom of a large pot. Set dumpling on the plate. Cover with boiling water. Simmer gently for 3 hours, checking water level halfway.
Oven finish.
- Remove the dumpling from the pot carefully. Transfer to a baking tray. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to dry the surface.
Serve.
- Slice while warm and serve with custard, cream, or a drizzle of golden syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 410kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 260mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 68g23%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 7g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Additional Notes
- Prepare the dumpling in advance. Reheat slices gently with custard for best texture.
- You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before steaming.
Optional Substitutions or Variations
- Replace raisins with sultanas or currants.
- Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Use oat milk to make the recipe lighter and dairy-free.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
