Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and indulgent dessert? Brandy Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries and is the perfect way to end a festive meal. This rich and boozy pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and of course, brandy. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic dessert and share a simple yet delicious recipe that you can easily make at home.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Welcome to our collection of the top 20 Christmas pudding recipes! This classic holiday dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and has become a staple in many households during the festive season. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or like to put a unique twist on it, we've got you covered. So get your mixing bowls ready and let's dive into the delicious world of Christmas puddings!
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
Let's start off with the most traditional Christmas pudding recipe - the Figgy Pudding. This rich and fruity dessert is packed with dried fruits, spices, and brandy. It's usually steamed or boiled for several hours and then served with a dollop of brandy butter. A perfect treat for those who love a classic Christmas dessert.
For our vegan friends, we have a delicious and cruelty-free Christmas pudding recipe that will not disappoint. This version uses ingredients like dates, raisins, and almonds to create a moist and flavorful pudding. And don't worry, it's still soaked in brandy for that extra kick of flavor.
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Vegan Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Water, Mixed Dried Fruit
Who says Christmas pudding has to be served warm? This unique recipe uses ice cream as the base and is filled with all the traditional Christmas pudding flavors. It's a refreshing and unexpected twist on the classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
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Vegan Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Currants, Dried Dates, Dried Apricots, Brandy
If you're short on time or oven space, this slow cooker Christmas pudding recipe is a lifesaver. Simply mix all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do its magic while you focus on other holiday tasks. The result is a moist and delicious pudding that will leave your guests wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Ice Cream, Christmas Pudding, Brandy
For those with dietary restrictions, we have a gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe that is just as delicious as the traditional version. This recipe uses gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to create a pudding that is light, fluffy, and packed with flavors. No one will even know it's gluten-free!
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Slow cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster, Suet, Sultanas, Raisins, Currants
If you own a Thermomix, then this recipe is a must-try. The Thermomix does all the hard work for you, from mixing to steaming, resulting in a perfectly cooked and delicious Christmas pudding. It's a game-changer for those who want to save time and effort in the kitchen.
For a decadent and indulgent twist on the classic Christmas pudding, try this sticky toffee version. It's filled with dates, walnuts, and a luscious toffee sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
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Best Thermomix Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Apricots, Seeds, Dried Figs, Dried Mixed Fruit
Don't worry if you forgot to make a Christmas pudding ahead of time. This last-minute recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare and uses ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. It's a great option for those who need a quick and easy dessert to serve on Christmas day.
This Christmas pudding recipe is fit for royalty! It's packed with luxurious ingredients like dark chocolate, mint, and hazelnuts, and is served with a rich and creamy chocolate sauce. It's a show-stopping dessert that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
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Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Stoned Dates, Walnuts, Carrot, Dessert Apple, Golden
There's nothing like a tried and true family recipe, and this one comes from Granny Teasdale herself. Passed down through generations, this Christmas pudding recipe is a labor of love and is sure to bring back fond memories of Christmases past.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds - traditional Irish and American flavors. It's filled with dried cranberries, pecans, and Irish whiskey, resulting in a delicious and unique Christmas pudding that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
No Christmas pudding is complete without a generous drizzle of brandy cream on top. This recipe takes it a step further and incorporates brandy into the pudding itself, resulting in a boozy and decadent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Granny Teasdale's Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Bread Crumbs, Flour, Granulated Sugar
If you're a fan of the popular chocolate orange flavor combination, then this vegan Christmas pudding is a must-try. It's filled with chocolate chips, orange zest, and a splash of orange liqueur for a festive and indulgent dessert that is also cruelty-free.
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Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
Stir Up Sunday is a tradition where families gather on the last Sunday before Advent to make their Christmas puddings. This recipe is perfect for this special occasion, and it's filled with dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy. It's a fun and festive activity that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
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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 fruitcake but want a lighter and more flavorful version, this Christmas pudding recipe is for you. It's packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices and is soaked in brandy for a moist and flavorful dessert that will please even the toughest critics.
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Chocolate Orange Christmas Pudding (Vegan)
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Arrowroot Powder, Baking Powder, Xanthum
Combine two holiday favorites - gingerbread and Christmas pudding - with this delicious recipe. The pudding is filled with warm spices and topped with an orange hard sauce that adds a tangy and festive touch. It's a perfect dessert for a cozy Christmas dinner.
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Christmas Pudding for Stir Up Sunday
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour, Ground
We couldn't have a top 20 Christmas pudding list without including the most traditional version. This recipe is a classic, with ingredients like suet, breadcrumbs, and dried fruits. It's a must-try for those who want to stick to the original recipe.
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Christmas Pudding - Easy Fruit Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Honey, Orange, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Flour
We have another delicious vegan Christmas pudding recipe for our plant-based friends. This one incorporates apples, cranberries, and almonds for a fruity and flavorful dessert that is also free of animal products. It's a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Gingerbread Christmas Pudding With Orange Hard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil Spray, All Purpose Flour, Ground Ginger
If you're looking for a gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe that doesn't require specialty ingredients, this one is for you. It's made with simple and easy-to-find ingredients like almond flour and dried fruits, resulting in a light and delicious pudding that everyone can enjoy.
The History of Brandy Christmas Pudding
Brandy Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, has a long and interesting history. It is believed that the origins of this dessert can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was known as 'frumenty' and was made with beef and mutton. Over the years, the recipe evolved, and by the 17th century, it had become a popular Christmas dish in England.
The term 'plum' in plum pudding actually refers to the pre-Victorian use of the word, which meant any dried fruit, not just plums. This explains why the pudding is packed with a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied peel.
The Importance of Brandy
One of the key ingredients in brandy Christmas pudding is, of course, brandy. This spirit is made by distilling wine and is known for its warm and rich flavor. It has been used in cooking for centuries, and in the case of Christmas pudding, it serves both as a flavor enhancer and a preservative.
The addition of brandy not only adds a delicious depth of flavor but also helps to keep the pudding moist and prevents it from spoiling. This is why brandy Christmas pudding is often made weeks or even months in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and mature.
A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Now that you know a bit more about the history and importance of brandy Christmas pudding, it's time to try making it yourself. We've got a simple yet delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
To start, you will need flour, breadcrumbs, suet, dried fruits, brown sugar, eggs, brandy, and spices. Simply mix all the dry ingredients together, then add in the beaten eggs and brandy. The mixture should be thick and well combined. Transfer it into a greased pudding basin, cover with parchment paper and foil, and steam for around 6 hours.
Once steamed, let the pudding cool before removing it from the basin. You can serve it immediately or reheat it when ready to serve. For an extra special touch, serve it with a dollop of brandy butter or some vanilla custard.
In Conclusion
Brandy Christmas pudding is a beloved holiday dessert that has stood the test of time. Its rich and boozy flavors make it the perfect way to end a Christmas meal and bring some warmth and cheer to your table. Give our simple recipe a try and start a new tradition in your family this year.
