The treacle nutmeg in this recipe melts to give you a lovely, rich topping. Everyone loves this as a Sunday treat and it can be made in advance too. Simply allow to cool in the basin, then when you’re ready to serve, microwave it on a medium power for 4 minutes to reheat.
Use a small knob of butter to heavily grease a 1-litre pudding basin.
Put the butter, sugar, dried figs, lemon zest, golden syrup, breadcrumbs, treacle, brandy, if using, and nutmeg in a large bowl and mix together until light and fluffy, then add the eggs gradually. Fold in the flour, then mix in the milk.
Spoon the batter into the pudding basin. Cover with a double layer of buttered foil and baking paper, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Tie the foil securely with string, then place in a steamer or large pan containing enough gently simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for 1½ hours.
Turn out onto a warmed serving dish. Serve with lightly whipped double cream and fresh figs and a little extra golden syrup drizzled over.