Pudding Basins, Bowls & Darioles
Whether you're planning a festive showstopper or a sticky toffee sponge for Sunday lunch, having the right pudding bowls for steaming is the secret to that famously moist finish. Designed for even heat distribution and an easy release, our pudding basins ensure your bakes turn out looking as delicious as they taste.
Browse dariole moulds for individual steamed puddings, mini sponges and perfectly portioned desserts, or select a traditional pudding basin for larger, centre-of-the-table bakes.
Our collection ranges from classic stoneware and metal options from brands like Mason Cash, MasterClass and Lakeland's own, to lightweight, everyday heroes made from foil. Many feature a rim perfect for sealing with a foil or parchment lid, or you can skip the fuss entirely and choose a pudding basin with a lid. Pair them with our bakeware and mixing bowls to get your kitchen fully prepped for your next baking session.
What is a pudding basin?
A pudding basin is a purpose-made bowl designed specifically for steaming or boiling puddings. They typically have straight, tall sides that support an even rise, allow steam to circulate properly and help the pudding hold its shape for a neat turn-out. Most basins also feature a rim near the top, making it easy to secure foil, parchment or muslin to keep steam in and water out during cooking, ensuring a moist, evenly cooked pudding.
For smaller, perfectly portioned bakes, you can choose individual dariole moulds, ideal for mini steamed puddings and sponges. For larger, classic family bakes, like Christmas pudding, a single, traditional pudding basin is a good choice.
What size pudding basin do I need?
Choosing the right size depends on your recipe and how many hungry mouths you're feeding. Recipes will usually specify the tin size required. However, as a general guide, a 1-litre pudding basin is perfect for a standard family-sized pudding, serving around 4-6 people.
For larger gatherings, a 2-litre basin is a great choice, giving you plenty of room for generous portions or seconds.
If you're cooking for one or want to avoid food waste, individual basins or dariole moulds are ideal for perfectly portioned puddings every time.
Pudding basins for every occasion
- Traditional pudding basins — The classic choice for steamed and boiled puddings. With tall sides and a wide rim for securing a lid or covering, they're ideal for larger bakes like sponge puddings.
- Pudding basins with lids — Designed to make steaming simpler, these come with a fitted lid that keeps steam in and water out, removing the need for foil.
- Foil pudding basins — Lightweight and convenient, foil basins are great for everyday bakes, gifting puddings or freezing portions ahead of time.
- Dariole moulds — Sometimes, individual desserts are the way to go. Dariole moulds are small, cylindrical moulds perfect for single-serving sponges, jellies or mousses. They're wonderfully versatile, suitable for cold desserts set in the fridge or hot steamed puddings for a dinner party.
How to line a pudding basin
To ensure your pudding turns out perfectly intact, proper preparation is key. Here's how to line a pudding basin:
- Grease the basin - Generously butter the inside of the pudding bowl, including the rim, to help your pudding release cleanly.
- Add a parchment liner disc (optional, but handy) - If you're using a ceramic basin, place a small circle of baking parchment in the base for extra non-stick protection.
- Fill your basin - Spoon in your mixture, leaving a little space at the top so it has room to rise.
- Make the lid (if it's not a lidded basin) - Lay a sheet of baking parchment over a sheet of foil, then fold a small pleat through the middle so it can expand as the pudding cooks.
- Cover and secure - Place the foil-and-parchment lid over the top and tie it tightly under the rim with string. Trim any excess with scissors, then tuck in the edges so nothing catches while it's steaming.
- Cook as your recipe directs - Your basin is ready for steaming.
