Christmas Pudding is a traditional and heartwarming dessert in the UK, perfect for festive celebrations. This rich and fruity pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy, making it a delightful treat for the holiday season. It's best when prepared in advance and left to mature, so plan ahead!
Recipe Summary
Preparation
30 min
Cooking
6 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Ingredients
Instructions
1
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dried fruits, candied peel, chopped almonds, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, self-raising flour, and spices.
2
Step 2
Add the lemon and orange zest and juice to the mixture, followed by the suet.
3
Step 3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the brandy and milk.
4
Step 4
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should have a dropping consistency.
5
Step 5
Grease a 2-pint pudding basin and pack the mixture into it, leaving a little space for the pudding to rise.
6
Step 6
Cover the pudding with a double layer of greaseproof paper and a single layer of foil, securing it with string.
7
Step 7
Place the pudding basin in a large saucepan with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a lid and steam for 6 hours, topping up the water as needed.
8
Step 8
After steaming, allow the pudding to cool and then store it in a cool, dark place for at least a few weeks (or even months) to let the flavors mature.
9
Step 9
On Christmas Day, reheat the pudding by steaming for an additional 2 hours. Serve it with a generous dollop of brandy butter or custard.
10
Step 10
Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas Pudding with your favorite festive accompaniments!
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Christmas Pudding and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 30 minutes and the cooking time is 6 minutes.
This recipe is designed for servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.