Oatmeal Flummery

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Custards puddings creams Medium

An old British pudding made by soaking oatmeal, straining the milky liquid and boiling it with sugar until thick enough to set. This version is the plain oatmeal flummery, lightly scented with orange flower water. Makes 4 small dishes in about 25 hr 30 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Cooling 25 hr

Total 25 hr 30 min

Yield 4 small dishes

Ingredients

Adjust yield

small dishes

1 cup (100 g)fine oatmeal (or rolled oats, blitzed)
2 ½ cups (600 ml)cold water, divided
3 tbsp (40 g)granulated sugar
1 pinchfine salt
1 tsp (5 ml)orange flower water
½ cup (120 ml)cold milk or cream
1 ½ tbsp (30 g)honey

Fresh ingredient guides

OrangesHow to pick, season & nutrition · 62 kcal per 131 g

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Instructions

Put the oatmeal and 300 ml of the water in a bowl, stir, cover and leave at cool room temperature for 12 hours.
Stir in the remaining 300 ml water and soak another 12 hours; the liquid turns cloudy and slightly sour-sweet.
Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the oats gently to release the starchy liquid. Discard the oats.
Pour the liquid into a saucepan with the sugar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.
Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, whisking, until very thick and glossy so it holds the whisk trail. Stir in the orange flower water.
Pour into four lightly oiled small dishes or molds and cool 30 minutes, then chill at least 2 hours until set.
Unmold or serve in the dishes with cold milk or cream and a thread of honey.

Tips

Whisk constantly once it thickens; starch catches on the bottom quickly.
A shorter soak is milder; longer soaks taste tangier, like the traditional Welsh version.
For a smoother set, strain twice.
Good with berry compote.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make oatmeal flummery?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus 25 hours to chill. The recipe makes 4 small dishes.

How should I store oatmeal flummery?

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Keep the soaking oats in a cool place no longer than 24 hours, otherwise refrigerate while soaking.

Can I make oatmeal flummery ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Flummery began as a sour oatmeal dish in Wales (llymru) and became a sweet set pudding in England by the 17th century. Serve it with berry compote.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 4 servings this recipe makes.

98 Calories / serving

1.4g Fat

20.7g Carbs

1.6g Protein

17.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (4 servings): ~392 cal · 6g fat · 83g carbs · 6g protein · 72g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.