Christmas is a time for spending quality moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious feasts. And no Christmas feast is complete without a traditional dessert like boiled Christmas pudding. This classic dessert has been a staple in festive menus for centuries, and for good reason - its rich, fruity, and boozy flavors are simply irresistible. If you're looking to make your own boiled Christmas pudding this holiday season, look no further than this professional and well-organized recipe from Women's Weekly.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Christmas is a time for indulgence and what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with a delicious Christmas pudding. This traditional dessert has been a staple at British Christmas dinners for centuries. Made with rich ingredients like dried fruits, spices, and brandy, it's the perfect way to end a festive meal. Here are 20 mouth-watering Christmas pudding recipes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Eggless Christmas Pudding Cheesecake (How to Use Up...
Main Ingredients: Digestive Biscuits, Butter, Full Fat Cream Cheese
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic Christmas pudding, this eggless cheesecake version is sure to impress. Made with cream cheese, condensed milk, and rich spices, this dessert is a fusion of two Christmas favorites – pudding and cheesecake. It's the perfect way to use up leftover Christmas pudding and create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
A traditional English Christmas pudding is a must-have on Christmas day. This recipe stays true to the classic version, packed with dried fruits, candied peel, and a generous splash of brandy. It's steamed to perfection, giving it a rich and moist texture that is simply irresistible. Serve it warm with a dollop of brandy butter for the ultimate festive treat.
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
One of the oldest Christmas pudding recipes, figgy pudding, or plum pudding, dates back to the 15th century. It's a rich and dense dessert made with dried figs, raisins, and a splash of brandy. This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a less sweet pudding, as the figs add a subtle sweetness to balance out the rich flavors. Serve it with a drizzle of custard for a truly decadent experience.
If you're a fan of the classic Christmas pudding, this recipe is a must-try. Made with a combination of dried fruits, spices, and breadcrumbs, it's a traditional recipe that has stood the test of time. The secret to this pudding is in the slow steaming process, which allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of hot and cold.
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Vegan Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Water, Mixed Dried Fruit
Just because you follow a plant-based diet doesn't mean you have to miss out on the festive indulgences. This vegan Christmas pudding is proof that you can still enjoy all the flavors and textures of a traditional Christmas pudding without any animal products. Made with dates, dried fruits, and nuts, this pudding is packed with goodness and flavor. Serve it with a drizzle of vegan custard for the ultimate vegan-friendly dessert.
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Instant Pot Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Dried Dates, Finely Chopped Pecans
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade Christmas pudding, this Instant Pot recipe is perfect for you. It takes just 20 minutes to cook and requires minimal effort. Made with dried fruits and spices, this pudding is packed with festive flavors and is the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream to add a touch of indulgence.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Tia Maria, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Plain
If you have a slow cooker, this Christmas pudding recipe is a game-changer. All you need to do is mix the ingredients, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. The result is a rich and moist pudding that is bursting with flavor. This recipe also uses less sugar than traditional recipes, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Pitted Dates, Pitted Prunes, Coconut Oil
For those who are looking for a healthier Christmas pudding option, this recipe is just what you need. Made with wholemeal flour, honey, and dried fruits, it's a lighter version of the traditional pudding but still packed with all the festive flavors. This recipe also uses a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process, making it a quick and easy dessert for your Christmas feast.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster, Suet, Sultanas, Raisins, Currants
If you're a fan of the slow cooker, here's another delicious Christmas pudding recipe for you to try. This version is made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and gingerbread spices, giving it a unique and festive flavor. It's a lighter option than the traditional version, making it perfect for those who want to indulge without feeling too guilty. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously creamy finish.
For those with gluten intolerance, Christmas pudding may seem like a no-go. But fear not, this gluten-free version is just as delicious as the traditional one. Made with gluten-free flour and dried fruits, it's a safe and tasty option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it with a drizzle of rum or brandy sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
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Alcohol-free Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Apple, Dried Mixed Fruit, Orange Juice, Lemon Zest
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version of Christmas pudding, this recipe is just what you need. Instead of brandy or rum, this pudding uses apple juice to give it a fruity and festive flavor. It's also a great option for those who don't consume alcohol but still want to enjoy a traditional Christmas dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of hot and cold.
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Simplified Mincemeat Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mincemeat, Orange Marmalade, Dark Brown Sugar
If you're short on time and don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this simplified Christmas pudding recipe is the answer. It uses store-bought mincemeat and a few other ingredients to create a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for the busy holiday season. Serve it with a drizzle of custard for a classic Christmas combination.
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Nutella Christmas Pudding Truffles
Main Ingredients: Double Cream, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Nutella
For a fun and unique twist on the classic Christmas pudding, try these Nutella truffles. Made with crushed Christmas pudding, Nutella, and dark chocolate, these truffles are a decadent treat that everyone will love. They're also great for gifting, so make a big batch and share the Christmas spirit with your loved ones.
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Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
If you're a fan of chocolate, this Christmas pudding recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Made with dark chocolate, mint extract, and a splash of brandy, this pudding is a luxurious and indulgent dessert. It's also a great option for those who don't like traditional Christmas pudding but still want to join in on the festivities.
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Christmas Pudding with Hard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Butter, Grated Carrot, Potato, Golden Raisins, Pitted
For a traditional and indulgent Christmas pudding, this recipe is a must-try. Made with a combination of dried fruits, spices, and brandy, it's a classic and delicious dessert that will impress your guests. Serve it with a decadent hard sauce made with butter, sugar, and brandy for a match made in heaven.
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Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
This recipe is a fusion of Irish and American flavors, making it a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Christmas pudding. Made with Irish whiskey, dried fruits, and a touch of orange zest, it's a rich and flavorful dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy and indulgent finish.
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Christmas Pudding With Brandy Cream
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Black Tea, Sherry, Brandy
If you're a fan of brandy, this Christmas pudding recipe is a must-try. The pudding itself is made with brandy-soaked dried fruits, giving it a rich and boozy flavor. But the real star of the show is the brandy cream, made with double cream, icing sugar, and, of course, brandy. It's the perfect accompaniment to this decadent and indulgent Christmas dessert.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
This recipe stays true to the traditional British Christmas pudding, with a few added twists. Made with a combination of dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy, it's a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for the festive season. Serve it with a drizzle of brandy sauce for an extra boozy kick.
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Christmas Pudding for Stir Up Sunday
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour, Ground
If you're a fan of tradition and want to take part in Stir Up Sunday, this Christmas pudding recipe is perfect for you. Made with a combination of dried fruits, spices, and brandy, this pudding is packed with festive flavors. The best part? It needs to be made weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. Serve it with a drizzle of brandy butter for a decadent and festive dessert.
The History of Boiled Christmas Pudding
The Origins
The origins of boiled Christmas pudding can be traced back to medieval England, where it was known as "plum pudding." However, this early version of the dessert was not the rich and indulgent treat we know today. Instead, it was a savory dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices. It wasn't until the 19th century that the sweet version of boiled Christmas pudding became popular, thanks to the addition of dried fruits and alcohol.
The Symbolism
In the Victorian era, boiled Christmas pudding became synonymous with Christmas celebrations. Its round shape, dark color, and rich ingredients were seen as symbolic of the birth of Jesus and the spices were thought to represent the gifts of the Three Wise Men. It was also believed that if you made a wish while stirring the pudding, it would come true.
Women's Weekly Boiled Christmas Pudding
The Recipe
The boiled Christmas pudding recipe from Women's Weekly is a tried and tested favorite that has been passed down for generations. It combines traditional flavors like raisins, currants, and brandy with modern additions like orange zest and ginger. The result is a delicious and indulgent dessert that will be the star of your Christmas feast.
The Method
This professional recipe is carefully laid out and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The ingredients are listed in both metric and imperial measurements, and each step is accompanied by clear instructions and helpful tips. The well-organized layout also includes a handy timeline, so you know exactly how long each step will take.
In Conclusion
If you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious and traditional Christmas dessert, look no further than the boiled Christmas pudding recipe from Women's Weekly. With its rich history and professional and well-organized approach, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your festive menu for years to come. So gather your ingredients, make a wish, and let Women's Weekly help you create the perfect boiled Christmas pudding for your holiday celebrations.