A public figure has apologised after claiming something scandalous: that Arctic rolls are a “low-level pudding”.
BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour presenter Jane Garvey, who disparaged the pud, later said: “I do apologise if you’re a big, big fan of Arctic roll.”
While she hadn’t meant to outright offend anyone, she added: “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t like Arctic roll.”
While old school desserts like the classic Arctic roll – vanilla ice cream rolled up in sponge with raspberry sauce – might have fallen out of favour, the reaction to Garvey’s comments makes it clear: puddings from the past still hold a place in our hearts.
Whether it’s nostalgia, or the fact they’re just plain delicious, here are some other retro desserts that shouldn’t be forgotten…
1. Pineapple upside-down cake
With its rings of tinned pineapple and glace cherries, pineapple upside-down cake has a very particular aesthetic that isn’t really in-keeping with the Instagram bakes we’ve become used to. Sure, it might look like it’s from a bygone era, but who can deny the taste? It’s just so good.
2. Baked Alaska
In the Seventies and Eighties there must’ve been an obsession with mixing ice cream and cake, because like the Arctic roll, that’s exactly what Baked Alaska is about.
However, this dessert takes things a step further, adding meringue on top – which was often set on fire. Whatever happened to bringing a bit of drama to our puddings?
3. Lemon meringue pie
Done wrong, this dessert can taste a bit like washing up liquid. But done right, lemon meringue pie is the perfect pudding for warmer weather. With buttery pastry, zingy lemon and soft meringue, it’s delicious.
4. Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a rare sight these days. A steamed pudding made with suet, dried fruit like currents give it that ‘spotted’ effect.
Largely ruined by dodgy school dinners, steamed puddings can be lighter and tastier than you might think. Plus, they’re the perfect vehicle for lashings of custard.
5. Black Forest gateau
Back in the day, nothing said celebration like a Black Forest gateau. It’s more OTT than your average cake, with multiple layers of chocolate sponge sandwiched between thick cream and cherries. The dream.
6. Trifle
If it was good enough for our nan, it’s good enough for us. Fruit, alcohol-soaked sponge, cream and custard, and jelly – all the elements are great, and it serves up a big hit of nostalgia.
7. Butterscotch pudding
Butterscotch pudding is the ultimate guilty pleasure – it’s a pure hit of sugar in one, butterscotchy pot. How did it ever fall out of favour? (Butterscotch Angel Delight is also excellent).
