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Spelt Clootie Dumpling

A thick Spelt Clootie Dumpling with a slightly golden exterior, sliced on a rustic wooden board.

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.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 3 hrs
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 3 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: 5
Calories: 410
Best Season: Winter, Fall
Dietary: Vegetarian
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
  • 250 g whole spelt flour
  • 100 g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 150 g raisins
  • 75 g light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • pinch salt
    • Wet Ingredients
  • 1 medium apple (grated)
  • 1 large egg
  • 120 ml milk
  • 50 g melted butter
  • 2 tbsp black treacle
    • For the cloth
  • Butter (to grease)
  • Flour (to dust)
  • Clean muslin or cotton cloth
Instructions
    Prepare the cloth.
  1. 1
    Boil the cloth to sterilise it. Wring out thoroughly, butter the centre, and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
    2. Mix dry ingredients.
  2. 2
    Combine spelt flour, breadcrumbs, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir evenly.
    3. Add wet ingredients.
  3. 3
    Add grated apple, melted butter, milk, egg, and treacle. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
    4. Shape and wrap.
  4. 4
    Place dough in the centre of the cloth. Gather edges and tie securely with kitchen string. Leave room for expansion.
    5. Boil the dumpling.
  5. 5
    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.
    6. Oven finish.
  6. 6
    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.
    7. Serve.
  7. 7
    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.
Keywords: spelt, clootie dumpling, steamed pudding, Scottish dessert, raisin pudding

Tips & Variations

Flavor Enhancements

Citrus zest adds brightness to the dumpling. A spoon of golden syrup or honey drizzled over slices lifts the flavour. You can also fold in chopped dried apricots for a slightly fruity twist.

Texture Adjustments

For a firmer dumpling, reduce milk slightly. For a softer interior, add a splash more milk when combining the dough. Steaming times remain the same.

Conclusion

Try this Spelt Clootie Dumpling for a comforting, classic dessert with a wholesome twist. It’s simple to make, visually impressive, and naturally sweetened with raisins. Serve warm with custard or cream to impress family and friends. Experiment with subtle spices or zest to make it your own.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-clootie-dumpling/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!