Jam Sponge Pudding

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins (depending on how you want to serve your puddings) with butter to prevent sticking.

#### 2. **Make the Sponge Batter:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air to the mixture and helps create a light, airy sponge. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a whisk.

Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, gradually add in the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder together to ensure even distribution. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick but spreadable.

#### 3. **Layer the Jam:**
Spoon a generous amount of your chosen jam into the base of the prepared baking dish or ramekins. You don’t want to overdo it, as the jam will spread during baking, but aim for an even layer.

Next, spoon the sponge batter on top of the jam, spreading it evenly to cover the jam completely. Be careful not to stir or mix the layers, as the jam should remain at the bottom.

#### 4. **Bake the Pudding:**
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and firm to the touch. You can test if the sponge is done by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it.

#### 5. **Prepare the Sauce:**
While the pudding is baking, prepare the rich, buttery sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the golden syrup and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Once the sugar is dissolved, add the boiling water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.

#### 6. **Serve the Pudding:**
Once the Jam Sponge Pudding has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the warm pudding with a generous drizzle of the buttery sauce over the top.

For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

### Tips for the Perfect Jam Sponge Pudding:

– **Choosing the Jam:** The type of jam you choose will influence the flavor of your pudding. Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot are all classic options, but feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit preserves.
– **Make it Individual:** For a charming presentation, you can bake this pudding in individual ramekins. This also allows for easier portioning and makes it perfect for serving at dinner parties.
– **Make-ahead Option:** You can prepare the sponge and jam layers ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then bake just before serving. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored until ready to use.
– **For a Lighter Version:** You can use a sugar substitute or lower-fat butter to make the recipe a bit lighter, but the richness of the traditional version is truly unbeatable.

### Why You’ll Love Jam Sponge Pudding:

Jam Sponge Pudding is a nostalgic dessert that combines the simplicity of sponge cake with the sweetness of jam and the richness of a buttery sauce. The result is a deliciously comforting treat that’s both light and indulgent. The jam adds a touch of fruity tartness that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy sponge, while the buttery sauce envelops each bite in a luxurious finish.

Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it after a hearty meal or simply indulging in something sweet, Jam Sponge Pudding delivers the ultimate in comfort and flavor.