Welcome to my cozy kitchen, where the magic of the festive season comes alive with this traditional Christmas pudding recipe! Oh, the aromas of dried fruits, warm spices, and a splash of brandy wafting through the air are simply irresistible. Trust me, there’s something so heartwarming about gathering around the table and sharing this rich and flavorful dessert with family and friends. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, the best part? You can make this ahead of time, letting the flavors meld beautifully, so when Christmas Day arrives, all you need to do is steam it and enjoy. This Christmas pudding recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition that brings joy and comfort to every holiday celebration!
Ingredients List
- 200g dried mixed fruit: A delightful blend of raisins, sultanas, and currants, providing that classic sweetness.
- 100g raisins: These little gems add a chewy texture and deep flavor to the pudding.
- 100g currants: Smaller than raisins, these add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
- 50g chopped nuts: I love using a mix of walnuts and almonds for a lovely crunch.
- 100g breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best here, giving the pudding its structure.
- 200g brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the pudding.
- 100g flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together perfectly.
- 2 tsp mixed spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that screams holiday cheer!
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 2 eggs: These will help hold the mixture together and add richness.
- 200ml milk: Whole milk is my go-to for a creamy texture.
- 50ml brandy: A splash of brandy gives that festive kick and enhances the flavors.
How to Prepare Christmas Pudding Recipes
Making this delightful Christmas pudding is a bit of a festive ritual, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s dive into the steps to create this rich, flavorful dessert that’ll have everyone singing your praises at the holiday table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried mixed fruits, raisins, currants, chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, flour, brown sugar, mixed spice, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well incorporated. You want the mixture to look like a festive fruit medley!
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and brandy. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s well mixed!
- Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and combine gently. Don’t overmix; just enough to bring it all together.
- Carefully pour the mixture into a greased pudding mold. Make sure it’s packed in well but not too tight!
- Cover the top with parchment paper and foil to keep the steam in while it cooks. You don’t want any water sneaking in!
- Place the mold in a large pot filled with boiling water, ensuring the water comes halfway up the sides of the mold. This steaming method is key for a moist pudding!
- Now, let it steam for about 2 hours. Check occasionally to make sure the water doesn’t evaporate—just top it up if it gets low.
- Once that timer goes off, remove the mold from the pot and let it cool. After it’s cooled down, store it in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to serve it. The flavors will only get better with time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: This Christmas pudding is packed with a delightful mix of dried fruits and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that just screams the holidays!
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly you can whip this up.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it weeks in advance and let the flavors develop, so when the festive season hits, all you need to do is steam it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a classic dessert that brings everyone together, and trust me, your family and friends will rave about it.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices, making it a personal tradition unique to your family!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying this traditional Christmas pudding, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your slice of festive cheer knowing it’s packed with goodness!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas pudding turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I always keep in mind while making this festive treat:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the richer the flavor! Opt for fresh dried fruits and high-quality nuts for a truly delicious pudding.
- Let it Age: If you can, make your pudding a few weeks ahead of time. Letting it sit allows the flavors to deepen and develop, making it even more scrumptious.
- Substitutions: Don’t have brandy? You can use apple juice or even orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. Just remember, the brandy adds that festive kick that’s hard to replicate!
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A bit of ginger or cloves can add a lovely twist to the traditional mix!
- Steaming Tips: Ensure the water in your pot is boiling before placing the pudding mold in. This helps it steam evenly. Also, keep an eye on the water level to prevent it from drying out.
- Serving Suggestions: For a cozy touch, serve your pudding warm with a generous drizzle of custard or a dollop of cream. Trust me, it elevates the experience!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a Christmas pudding that will be the star of your festive feast. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Christmas pudding is ready to shine, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it! I absolutely adore serving mine warm with a generous pour of rich custard—it’s like a warm hug for your tastebuds! If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the dense pudding perfectly. For an extra festive flair, you can drizzle some brandy sauce over the top, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. Trust me, these little additions will take your Christmas pudding experience to a whole new level of deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make Christmas pudding without alcohol?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just substitute the brandy with apple juice or orange juice. The pudding will still be delicious and festive!
How long can I store Christmas pudding?
You can store your Christmas pudding in a cool, dark place for up to three months or even longer if it’s wrapped properly. Just remember to steam it again before serving!
Do I need to soak the fruits beforehand?
Soaking the dried fruits overnight in brandy or juice is a lovely way to enhance their flavor and moisture. If you forget, don’t worry; just mix them in dry—they’ll still taste great!
Can I freeze Christmas pudding?
Yes, you can! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to six months—just remember to thaw it in the fridge before steaming it again.
What’s the best way to reheat Christmas pudding?
The best way is to steam it again for about 1 hour until heated through. You can also microwave it, but steaming keeps it moist and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas pudding correctly is crucial for preserving its rich flavors and texture. Once your pudding has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep out any unwanted air. Then, pop it into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. If you’re planning to enjoy it later, you can store it in a cool, dark place for up to three months. Just remember to keep it away from any direct sunlight or heat sources!
When it comes to reheating, steaming is the way to go to maintain that lovely moist texture. Simply place the wrapped pudding in a pot of boiling water, making sure the water level is halfway up the sides of the pudding mold. Steam for about 1 hour, or until it’s heated through. If you’re in a pinch, you can also microwave individual slices, but be cautious to avoid drying it out—start with short bursts and check frequently!
With these tips, you’ll have your Christmas pudding ready to serve, warm and delightful, just like it was on the day you made it. Enjoy each bite of this festive treat!
Imprimer
Christmas Pudding Recipes: 7 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A traditional Christmas pudding recipe that is rich and full of flavor.
Ingrédients
- 200g dried mixed fruit
- 100g raisins
- 100g currants
- 50g chopped nuts
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 200g brown sugar
- 100g flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 200ml milk
- 50ml brandy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- In a large bowl, mix dried fruits, nuts, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, mixed spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and brandy.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pudding mold.
- Cover with parchment paper and foil.
- Place in a pot of boiling water and steam for 2 hours.
- Let cool and store in a cool, dark place until serving.
Notes
- Serve with custard or cream.
- Can be made weeks in advance.
- Store in a cool place.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas pudding recipes
