Washington Pudding

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a shallow baking dish by lightly buttering the bottom and sides.

Combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and sugar begins to dissolve.

Pour the hot water into the saucepan with the sugar mixture and stir gently until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour the sugar-water mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the pudding is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the pudding to cool for 5 minutes before serving. A golden syrup will have pooled beneath a light, cake-like layer on top.

Divide the warm pudding into serving bowls, making sure each portion includes both the spongy top layer and some of the rich syrup from the bottom.