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Nothing says Christmas quite like a traditional plum pudding! Rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits, warming spices, and a hint of brandy, this classic dessert brings festive cheer to any holiday table.
It’s a beloved holiday treat that’s best enjoyed with family, often topped with a drizzle of brandy sauce or a dollop of cream.
Whether carrying on a family tradition or trying it for the first time, this Christmas Plum Pudding will make your celebrations extra special.
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Christmas Plum Pudding
Christmas Plum Pudding is a classic holiday dessert, rich in flavor and packed with dried fruits, spices, and a touch of brandy. This traditional festive treat is moist and dense and perfect for serving with a dollop of cream, custard, or brandy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1 1/2 cups currants
- 1 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped prunes
- 1/2 cup brandy (plus extra for soaking the pudding)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup suet or butter, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup molasses or treacle
Topping Ideas:
- Brandy sauce
- Custard
- Whipped cream
- A sprig of holly (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit mixture: In a large bowl, combine the raisins, currants, figs, apricots, and prunes. Pour in the brandy, mix well, and let soak overnight or for at least 4 hours for the best flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, breadcrumbs, flour, suet or grated butter, spices, lemon zest, and orange zest.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the soaked fruit mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Prepare the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and molasses. Pour this mixture into the fruit and flour mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Transfer to a pudding basin: Grease a 2-liter pudding basin or heatproof bowl. Pour the batter into the basin, leaving about 1 inch at the top to allow for expansion. Cover with a layer of parchment paper and aluminum foil, securing it tightly with string.
- Steam the pudding: Place the pudding basin in a large pot and add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot with a lid and steam over low heat for 4-5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water doesn’t dry out (add more hot water as needed).
- Cool and store: Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the pot and allow it to cool. Replace the parchment paper and foil, then store the pudding in a cool, dark place for up to a month. For a richer flavor, you can feed the pudding with a little brandy every week until Christmas.
- Reheat and serve: On the day you plan to serve, steam the pudding for another 1-2 hours until heated through. Serve with brandy sauce, custard, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Storage: This pudding can be made up to a month in advance and stored in a cool, dark place.
- Feeding the pudding: For a more intense flavor, feed the pudding with brandy weekly by pouring a few tablespoons over it while it’s stored.
- Steaming tips: Make sure to keep an eye on the water level when steaming, as you don’t want it to dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pudding without suet?
Yes, you can replace the suet with grated butter if you prefer or if you want a vegetarian option.
Can I use different dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits. Just make sure to keep the overall quantity the same.
How do I know when the pudding is cooked?
The pudding should feel firm to the touch, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. It will also pull away slightly from the sides of the basin.
Wrapping it up
Christmas Plum Pudding is a festive classic that brings warmth and joy to holiday celebrations. This rich and flavorful dessert is perfect for making ahead, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
Serve it with your favorite topping, and enjoy a truly traditional Christmas treat!
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