Crispy Grilled Cloutie Dumpling Slices: A Scottish Delight on the Arteflame

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about traditional Scottish cuisine, and the famous Cloutie Dumpling stands as a pillar of sweet, spiced nostalgia. Typically boiled in a cloth—or 'clout'—this dense, fruit-laden suet pudding is a staple at holidays and family gatherings. However, we are taking this classic dessert to new heights by introducing it to the high-heat searing power of the Arteflame grill. By grilling slices of the dumpling, we transform the texture entirely, creating a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, soft, and spicy interior.

Using the flat cooktop of the Arteflame allows for even heat distribution, ensuring the sugars in the dried fruit and the suet crust over perfectly without burning. This method breathes new life into leftovers or serves as a distinct, gourmet dessert for your next outdoor barbecue. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Scottish puddings or a newcomer to this spiced treat, grilling it adds a smoky depth and textural contrast that simple steaming cannot match. It is a fusion of heritage baking and modern outdoor cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 Traditional Cloutie Dumpling (store-bought or homemade), cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for the grill surface)
• 1 tbsp Caster Sugar (optional, for dusting)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional)
• 2 cups Vanilla Custard (warmed) or heavy Double Cream
• Fresh berries (raspberries or blackberries) for garnish
• A splash of Scottish Whisky (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center cooktop reaches a high heat (over 400°F) and the outer rim is at a medium heat.
2. Scrape the cooktop clean to ensure a pristine surface for your dessert.
3. Apply a very thin layer of vegetable oil to the steel cooktop to season it before adding the butter.

Step 2: Butter and Sear

1. Move a knob of butter to the medium-heat zone of the plancha cooktop. Allow it to melt and foam slightly, but be careful not to let it burn.
2. Place the Cloutie Dumpling slices directly onto the melted butter. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
3. If you are using sugar, lightly sprinkle the top side of the slices while the bottom side cooks.

Step 3: Achieve the Perfect Crust

1. Grill the slices for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep, golden-brown crust to form. The sugars from the dried fruit will caramelize rapidly, so keep a close eye on them.
2. Flip the slices using a spatula. If the grill is dry, add a little more butter before flipping the second side down.
3. Press down gently with the spatula to ensure full contact with the hot steel, which maximizes the crispy texture.

Step 4: Serve Warm

1. Once both sides are crispy and the center is heated through, remove the slices from the grill.
2. Plate immediately while hot. Serving them straight from the griddle ensures the contrast between the crunchy outside and soft inside is at its peak.

Tips

Cooking sugary desserts on a grill requires vigilance regarding temperature control. On the Arteflame, the heat radiates from the center outwards. For Cloutie Dumpling, avoid the direct center ring where the fire is hottest, as the fruit sugars can burn before the inside is warmed through. Stick to the middle-to-outer zones of the cooktop for a gentle, golden caramelization. If you notice the butter browning too quickly, use a squirt bottle of water to cool the steel slightly or move the slices to the cooler outer edge.

Another pro-tip is to ensure your slices are uniform in thickness. If one slice is significantly thinner, it will dry out while the thicker one is still cold in the middle. Aim for a generous half-inch cut; this provides enough structural integrity to be flipped without breaking while ensuring the ratio of crispy crust to soft, pudding-like interior is balanced perfectly. Don't be afraid to be generous with the butter—it adds a savory richness that cuts through the sweetness.

Variations

While the traditional method relies on the pure flavor of the spiced pudding, the versatility of the Arteflame allows for creative gourmet twists. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal themes. For a breakfast twist, treat it like French Toast by dipping the slices in a light egg and milk wash before grilling. This creates a custardy layer that is incredibly decadent. Alternatively, for a more distinct dessert profile, you can glaze the slices during the last minute of cooking.

• The Whisky Glaze: Brush the slices with a mixture of honey and Scottish whisky 30 seconds before removing from the grill.
• Maple Pecan: Drizzle with maple syrup and top with crushed toasted pecans while grilling.
• Chocolate Orange: Zest a fresh orange over the frying slices and drizzle with dark chocolate sauce upon serving.
• Fried Breakfast Style: Serve alongside grilled bacon; the salty meat pairs surprisingly well with the sweet fruit pudding.
• Apple Cinnamon: Grill thin apple slices alongside the dumpling and stack them on top for serving.

Best pairings

To truly elevate this dish, the accompaniments must balance the density of the dumpling. Traditional hot custard is the classic pairing for a reason; its creamy, vanilla sweetness envelops the warm pudding and softens the crispy edges you just created on the grill. If you prefer a cold contrast, a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream melting over the hot slice creates a delightful temperature play that is hard to beat.

On the beverage side, this dish screams for a warm drink. A robust breakfast tea or a dark roast coffee cuts through the richness of the suet and fruit. However, for an evening dinner party, a dram of single malt Scotch whisky—preferably one with notes of dried fruit and spice like a Sherry cask finish—mirror the flavors in the dumpling exquisitely. For a non-alcoholic option, a hot spiced apple cider complements the cinnamon and spice notes perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilled Cloutie Dumpling slices on the Arteflame offer a delightful bridge between rustic Scottish tradition and modern wood-fired cooking. By taking a dish that is usually steamed and soft, and introducing the element of fire and iron, you create a complex profile of textures and flavors that feels entirely new yet deeply familiar. It is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by heat, resulting in a dessert that is as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Next time you fire up the grill, save a little space on the plancha for dessert. Whether you are using leftovers from a holiday feast or bought a dumpling specifically for this purpose, the result is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the smoky atmosphere, the buttery crunch, and the sweet spice creates a memory that will linger long after the embers have faded.