Traditional English Christmas Pudding Recipe: A Rich and Festive Holiday Classic https://recipespulse.com/traditional-english-christmas-pudding-recipe/

Make a rich and festive Traditional English Christmas Pudding with dried fruits, spices, and brandy. Perfect for your holiday celebrations!

Introduction:

Christmas just isn’t complete without a Traditional English Christmas Pudding. This rich, flavorful dessert is packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a dash of brandy, making it the perfect way to end a holiday meal. The pudding is traditionally made weeks in advance and steamed to perfection, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to create this classic holiday dessert, from mixing the ingredients to steaming the pudding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at Christmas pudding for the first time, this recipe will help you create a perfect Christmas Pudding that’s sure to impress!

Key Takeaways:

Traditional English Christmas Pudding is a classic holiday dessert, rich in flavor and perfect for festive celebrations.
This pudding is made with dried fruits, spices, and brandy, steamed to perfection.
Traditionally prepared weeks ahead, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Ingredients:
To make this Traditional English Christmas Pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 grams) mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas)
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) chopped dried apricots or prunes
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (plus extra for flaming and soaking)
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) suet (or grated frozen butter for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) fresh breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1 small grated apple
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon black treacle or molasses

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit mixture:

In a large bowl, mix the dried fruits and chopped apricots or prunes. Pour the brandy over the fruit and stir to combine. Cover and let the mixture soak overnight or for at least 12 hours to absorb the brandy.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice (if using), suet (or grated frozen butter), breadcrumbs, and baking powder.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the treacle, lemon and orange zest, grated apple, and chopped nuts.

Combine the Mixtures:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then stir in the soaked fruit, ensuring everything is evenly combined.

1. 1. Steam the Pudding:
    - Grease a pudding basin and line the base with parchment paper. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, filling it about two-thirds full. Cover with a piece of greased parchment paper and a layer of foil, securing with string.
    - Place the basin in a large pot and fill with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover and steam for 5-6 hours, checking occasionally to top up with boiling water if necessary.
  2. Store the Pudding:
    - Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool completely. Replace the parchment and foil, and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks (or up to several months). The longer it rests, the better the flavors develop.
  3. Reheat and Serve:
    - On Christmas Day, steam the pudding for another 2 hours before serving. To flambé, warm a small amount of brandy, pour it over the pudding, and light with a match to create a festive flame. Serve with brandy butter, custard, or cream.

Tips for Perfect English Christmas Pudding:

Plan Ahead: Make the pudding several weeks in advance to allow the flavors to develop.

Choose Your Fruit: Customize the dried fruits to your taste—try figs, dates, or cranberries for a twist.

Steam Carefully: Keep an eye on the water level while steaming to ensure the pudding cooks evenly.

Variations to Try:

Vegetarian Christmas Pudding: Use grated frozen butter instead of suet for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding: Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
Alcohol-Free Version: Replace the brandy with orange juice or apple cider for an alcohol-free option.
FAQs:
1. How far in advance can I make Christmas pudding?
Traditional English Christmas pudding is best made 2-6 weeks in advance, but you can store it for several months in a cool, dark place.
2. Can I freeze Christmas pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the pudding for up to a year. Simply thaw it overnight and reheat by steaming for 2 hours before serving.
3. What is the best way to serve Christmas pudding?
Serve Christmas pudding with brandy butter, custard, or cream. You can also flambé it with warmed brandy for a festive touch.

Conclusion:

This traditional English Christmas pudding is a rich, festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. Packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of brandy, it’s a time-honored recipe that brings warmth and tradition to your Christmas table. Whether you’re making it for the first time or continuing a family tradition, this pudding is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come.

To find out more about the history of Traditional Christmas Pudding , check out this article !