The Ultimate Christmas Pudding Recipe
Christmas pudding is a beloved holiday tradition, steeped in history and rich in flavour. This recipe combines classic elements with modern twists to create a pudding that’s moist, flavourful, and sure to become a family favourite.
Cooking Instructions For The Tastiest Christmas Pudding
Ingredients
- 225g currants
- 225g sultanas
- 175g raisins
- 100g mixed peel, chopped
- 100g dried cranberries
- 75g dried apricots, chopped
- 50g crystallized ginger, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 150ml brandy or rum (plus extra for feeding)
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g dark muscovado sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 150g self-raising flour
- 100g fresh breadcrumbs
- 50g ground almonds
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 small apple, grated
- 2 tbsp black treacle
Instructions
- Soak all dried fruits, peel, and ginger in the brandy or rum overnight.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, almonds, and spices.
- Fold the butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add soaked fruits, grated apple, treacle, and citrus zest and juice.
- Grease a 1.5L pudding basin. Fill with the mixture and cover with parchment and foil.
- Steam for 6 hours, topping up water as needed.
- Allow to cool, then feed with additional brandy or rum weekly until Christmas.
- On Christmas Day, steam for an additional 2 hours before serving.
Top Tips
- Make your pudding on Stir-up Sunday (the last Sunday before Advent) for best flavor development.
- Use a coin to create a “pudding charm” – wrap a clean coin in foil and stir into the mixture for good luck.
- For a lighter pudding, replace half the dried fruit with fresh apple or pear.
- Flame the pudding with warmed brandy just before serving for a spectacular presentation.
Different Variations
- Gluten-Free: Replace flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Alcohol-Free: Substitute orange juice for the brandy or rum.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter, replace eggs with mashed banana, and use vegetable suet instead of butter.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add 50g of grated dark chocolate to the mixture.
Nutritional Guide (per serving, assuming 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 70g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 50g |
FAQ
Q: How long can I store the Christmas pudding?
A: When properly stored in a cool, dry place and regularly fed with alcohol, the pudding can last up to a year.
Q: Can I make individual puddings instead of one large one?
A: Yes, divide the mixture among smaller pudding basins and reduce steaming time to about 3 hours.
Q: Is it necessary to flame the pudding?
A: No, flaming is optional and purely for tradition and presentation. The pudding is fully cooked without this step.
Q: Can I reheat leftover pudding?
A: Yes, slice and reheat in the microwave or steam individual slices for best results.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Christmas pudding is more than just following a recipe; it’s about embracing a cherished holiday tradition. This rich, fruity dessert embodies the warmth and joy of the festive season, bringing families together in its preparation and enjoyment. Whether you’re continuing a long-standing family custom or starting a new holiday tradition, this Christmas pudding recipe offers a perfect blend of classic flavors and modern twists. Remember, the key to a great pudding is patience – both in its preparation and in allowing it to mature. So start early, involve your loved ones in the process, and savor the anticipation as the big day approaches. When you finally serve your homemade Christmas pudding, you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s not just delicious, but also filled with the spirit of the season.
