Name: Christmas Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup mixed dried fruit; ½ cup raisins; ½ cup butter; 2 eggs; ¼ cup brandy or orange juice

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If you’re searching for that perfect festive treat to bring warmth and tradition to your holiday table, look no further than this classic Christmas Pudding Recipe. This British steamed pudding is loaded with a vibrant mix of dried fruit, fragrant spices, and soaked in brandy to create a beautifully rich dessert that’s as comforting as it is celebratory. Each bite offers a tender, moist texture paired with nostalgic flavors that truly evoke the spirit of Christmas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray holding eleven small white bowls arranged neatly, each filled with different baking ingredients. Starting from the top left, there are dark raisins, next to a bottle of golden syrup or golden liquid honey, then dark chocolate chips, and light cream-colored cubes of butter. On the lower level from left to right, there are three eggs, sliced almonds, a brown spice powder, light brown soft sugar, white flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar at the far right. A green herb sprig is placed decoratively in the middle. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Christmas pudding recipe lies in its straightforward and trusty ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the dryness of flour and breadcrumbs gives it structure, the brown sugar adds deep caramel notes, and the dried fruits along with brandy bring that signature fruity, boozy punch. Get ready for a comforting holiday treat that’s both simple and spectacular.

Flour (1 cup): The base that provides structure and helps bind the pudding together.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds texture and soaks up the flavorful liquids, ensuring moistness.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Gives a rich, caramel sweetness essential for the pudding’s depth.
Mixed dried fruit (1 cup): A colorful medley of sweetness and chewiness that’s key to the festive charm.
Raisins (½ cup): Small bursts of sweetness that complement the mixed fruits beautifully.
Butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
Eggs (2): Provide moisture and help the pudding set during steaming.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms up the flavor profile with classic holiday spice.
Nutmeg (1 tsp): Adds a fragrant, slightly nutty aroma to deepen the spice blend.
Brandy or orange juice (¼ cup): Infuses the pudding with tangy warmth and keeps it wonderfully moist.

How to Make Christmas Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fruit

Start by mixing the flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, mixed dried fruit, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This ensures the spices and sweetness are evenly distributed, and the fruit will be suspended nicely throughout the pudding.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, melt the butter and whisk it together with the eggs and brandy (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic touch). Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is thoroughly combined into a thick, sticky batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Grease a pudding basin generously to prevent sticking, then spoon in your pudding mixture. Pack it down slightly to eliminate air pockets and cover tightly with a layer of greased parchment paper and aluminum foil to keep steam out.

Step 4: Steam the Pudding

Place the basin in a large pot with boiling water reaching halfway up the sides. Cover with a lid and steam gently for 2 to 3 hours, topping up the water as needed to avoid drying out. This slow steaming cooks the pudding evenly, allowing those rich flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once steamed, remove the pudding and let it cool completely before serving or storing. Traditionally, Christmas pudding is made weeks ahead to further develop its flavors, but you can also enjoy it right away for a quicker festive bite.

How to Serve Christmas Pudding Recipe

A round, dark brown pudding with a rough texture appears on a plain white plate. The pudding has visible bits of nuts and dried fruits embedded throughout its dense body. It is decorated on top with a small green holly leaf and bright red berries, adding a festive touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the shiny, slightly uneven surface of the pudding. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Classic serving involves a generous drizzle of warm custard or pouring cream, which perfectly balances the spiced richness. For festive flair, adorn with a sprig of holly and a splash of brandy that can be flambéed tableside for an unforgettable presentation.

Side Dishes

While the pudding shines on its own, pairing it with creamy ice cream, silky custard, or tangy red wine sauce adds layers of indulgence. Serve alongside mince pies or roasted chestnuts to complete your holiday feast with traditional British sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, layer warm Christmas pudding with whipped mascarpone and fresh berries in individual glasses for a stunning trifle-inspired dessert. Alternatively, cut into thick slices and toast lightly to create luxurious Christmas pudding French toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your Christmas pudding tightly in cling film and foil to keep it moist and aromatic. Stored in a cool, dark place or refrigerator, it will stay delicious for several days, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors long after the initial feast.

Freezing

The pudding freezes wonderfully. Wrap securely and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, steam the pudding gently again for about an hour or until warmed through. This method ensures it retains maximum moisture and the full spectrum of rich spices, just like the day it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make the Christmas pudding without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the brandy with orange juice or apple cider. The acidity helps keep the pudding moist and adds bright flavor without the alcohol.

How far in advance can I prepare the Christmas pudding?

Traditionally, Christmas pudding is made weeks or even months in advance to allow the flavors to mature. It keeps well in a cool spot or refrigerated if wrapped properly.

What does steaming the pudding do?

Steaming cooks the pudding gently and evenly, preserving moisture and allowing the dried fruits and spices to blend beautifully without drying out the dessert.

Can I use other types of dried fruit?

Yes, feel free to customize! Dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots all make excellent additions that can add unique flavor and texture to your pudding.

How should I serve leftover Christmas pudding?

Leftover pudding can be reheated by steaming and served cold or warm with custard, cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious second helping.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Pudding Recipe is a heartwarming journey into tradition, perfect for creating lasting memories around your holiday table. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch—it’s simple, soulful, and irresistibly festive. Trust me, once you’ve experienced this rich, fruit-filled steamed pudding, it’ll become your new holiday favorite to share with everyone you love.