Rich and Festive Christmas Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Christmas is incomplete without the rich and fruity flavor of a traditional Christmas pudding. This classic dessert, filled with dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy, is a must-have on every festive table. Whether you’re new to making this iconic dish or looking for tips to perfect your own recipe, this guide will walk you through the steps for creating a delicious Christmas pudding recipe from scratch.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Rich and Festive Flavors: This Christmas pudding recipe is packed with traditional holiday spices and dried fruits, delivering a warm, comforting taste.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and let it mature for a more intense flavor, making it perfect for stress-free holiday planning.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily adjusted for dietary preferences, including gluten-free or alcohol-free versions.
• Classic Tradition: Making Christmas pudding is a time-honored tradition, adding a nostalgic touch to your holiday celebrations.
• Beautiful Presentation: With its dark, rich color and the option for a flaming brandy finish, this pudding adds a dramatic touch to your holiday table.

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What is Christmas Pudding?

Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert, often served during the holiday season, particularly on Christmas Day. It dates back to medieval England and was initially known as “plum pudding” because of its abundance of dried fruits, which were referred to as “plums” in older English. The dessert is a steamed or boiled pudding made with suet, flour, breadcrumbs, spices, and a mix of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and candied peel, all soaked in brandy or rum. Its dark color and dense texture come from the long cooking time, giving it a distinctive flavor that’s enhanced by the addition of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Pudding Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional Christmas pudding recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Raisins	1 cup
Currants	1 cup
Sultanas	1 cup
Candied peel (chopped)	½ cup
Dark brown sugar	¾ cup
Suet (vegetarian or traditional)	1 cup
Breadcrumbs	1 cup
Plain flour	½ cup
Grated apple	1 large
Chopped almonds	½ cup
Mixed spice	2 teaspoons
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Nutmeg	1 teaspoon
Brandy (plus extra for soaking)	½ cup
Zest of one lemon	1 lemon
Zest of one orange	1 orange
Eggs	3 large
Milk	2 tablespoons

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Step-by-Step Christmas Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Fruits

1. Combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, and chopped candied peel in a large bowl.
2. Add a few tablespoons of brandy and mix well. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it sit overnight or for at least 12 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and the fruit to plump up.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, mix together the suet, breadcrumbs, plain flour, brown sugar, and spices (mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg).
2. Stir in the grated apple, chopped almonds, lemon zest, and orange zest.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk.
2. Add the soaked fruit to the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture.
3. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated. The batter should be thick, but it should still be moist. If it seems too stiff, add a little more milk.

Step 4: Steaming the Pudding

1. Grease a pudding basin and spoon the mixture into it, pressing down gently to pack it in.
2. Cover the basin with a double layer of greaseproof paper and foil, then tie it securely with string.
3. Place the basin in a large pot with a trivet or upturned plate at the bottom to keep the pudding from direct contact with the heat.
4. Add enough boiling water to the pot to come halfway up the side of the basin.
5. Cover and steam for 6 hours, checking periodically to ensure the water level is maintained.

Step 5: Storing the Pudding

1. Once steamed, let the pudding cool completely, then wrap it in fresh greaseproof paper and foil.
2. Store it in a cool, dark place for at least a month. The longer it matures, the better the flavor will be.

Step 6: Reheating on Christmas Day

1. Steam the pudding for another 2 hours before serving.
2. For a classic presentation, heat some brandy, pour it over the pudding, and carefully light it for a flaming effect.

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Is Christmas Pudding Vegetarian?

Yes, Christmas pudding can be made vegetarian by using vegetarian suet instead of traditional beef suet. Many modern recipes opt for this ingredient to make the pudding suitable for those who do not eat meat. Vegetarian suet is widely available and does not alter the taste or texture of the pudding, making it a great substitute. Always check the label on other ingredients, such as alcohol and candied peel, to ensure they are vegetarian-friendly.

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Tips for the Perfect Christmas Pudding

• Make Ahead: Christmas pudding is traditionally made on “Stir-up Sunday,” which is the last Sunday before Advent. This enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
• Choose Quality Brandy: Since alcohol plays a significant role in flavor, opt for a good quality brandy or rum.
• Don’t Skip the Spices: Mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg are essential for that classic Christmas pudding taste.
• Add a Personal Touch: Some like to add a coin or trinket wrapped in greaseproof paper to the mixture before steaming for a bit of festive tradition.

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Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary requirements.
• Alcohol-Free Version: Replace the brandy with apple juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic pudding.
• Chocolate Christmas Pudding: Add some dark chocolate chips to the mixture for a modern twist on the classic.

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What to Serve with Christmas Pudding

• Brandy Butter: A mixture of butter, icing sugar, and brandy, perfect for spreading over the warm pudding.
• Custard: A creamy vanilla custard pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the pudding.
• Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

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Storing and Freezing Christmas Pudding

The Christmas pudding can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. If you wish to freeze it, wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 18 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge and steam again for 2 hours.

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Conclusion

The Christmas pudding recipe is a classic holiday treat that brings a touch of tradition to any festive gathering. With its rich flavors, warming spices, and luxurious texture, this pudding is sure to be a favorite on your Christmas table. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a variation, it’s a dessert that captures the spirit of the season and the joy of coming together with loved ones.

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FAQs