16+ English Steamed Christmas Pudding Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
If you're looking for a traditional and delicious Christmas dessert, look no further than an English steamed pudding. This classic holiday treat has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in many British households. With its rich, moist texture and warm spices, it's the perfect way to end your holiday meal. In this article, we'll share with you an authentic English steamed Christmas pudding recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert that is synonymous with the holiday season in many countries, especially in the United Kingdom. It is a rich and decadent dish that is filled with dried fruits, spices, and typically served with a generous dollop of brandy butter or custard. The origins of Christmas pudding can be traced back to medieval England and it has evolved over the centuries to become a beloved Christmas tradition. Here are 20 different ways to make this classic dessert, from the traditional to the modern and everything in between.
2of 20
English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
The English Christmas pudding is the quintessential version of this festive dessert. It is typically made with suet (beef or vegetarian), breadcrumbs, dried fruits, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The mixture is steamed for hours to create a dense and moist pudding that is bursting with flavors. Serve it with a drizzle of brandy butter or custard for a truly indulgent experience.
3of 20
Traditional British Christmas Pudding (a Make Ahead,...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Suet, Dark Brown Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you want to be truly traditional, then you should make your Christmas pudding well in advance, preferably in November. This allows the flavors to mature and intensify, making for a deliciously rich and flavorful dessert. The traditional British Christmas pudding is usually made with a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as candied peel, suet, breadcrumbs, and a generous splash of brandy. It is then steamed for several hours and stored in a cool place until Christmas day.
For a more simplified version of the English Christmas pudding, try this traditional recipe that uses just a few key ingredients. It still has all the classic flavors of the original, but with a shorter ingredient list and less preparation time. This is a great option for those who want to make a Christmas pudding but don't have the time or patience to make the more elaborate versions.
5of 20
Vegan Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Water, Mixed Dried Fruit
Vegans can also enjoy a delicious Christmas pudding with this vegan-friendly recipe. It uses vegetable suet and plant-based milk instead of the traditional animal products, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet. The end result is still a rich and flavorful pudding that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with a vegan custard or brandy sauce for a decadent dessert.
6of 20
Instant Pot Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Dried Dates, Finely Chopped Pecans
If you have an Instant Pot, then you can make a delicious Christmas pudding in a fraction of the time. This recipe uses a combination of dried fruits, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a moist and flavorful pudding that can be ready in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a Christmas pudding without the long wait time.
For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, this gluten-free Christmas pudding is a great option. It uses gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, along with dried fruits and spices, to create a delicious and safe dessert for everyone to enjoy. Serve it with a gluten-free custard or brandy sauce for a complete holiday treat.
8of 20
Christmas Pudding for Stir Up Sunday
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour, Ground
Stir Up Sunday, which falls on the last Sunday before Advent, is traditionally the day to make Christmas pudding in many households. This recipe is perfect for that occasion, as the whole family can get involved in the stirring and make wishes for the upcoming year. The pudding itself is a classic version filled with dried fruits and spices, making it a perfect addition to any holiday feast.
9of 20
British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
This British Christmas pudding recipe is a delicious twist on the traditional version. It uses a combination of dried figs, dates, and apricots, along with brandy and spices, to create a unique and flavorful dessert. It is then steamed for several hours to create a rich and decadent pudding that is sure to impress your guests.
Figgy pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a classic Christmas pudding that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe uses dried figs, dates, and raisins, as well as a variety of spices, to create a moist and flavorful pudding that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter for a truly indulgent experience.
If you're short on time or just don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this easy Christmas pudding recipe is for you. It uses a pre-made pudding mix, along with a variety of dried fruits, to create a delicious and hassle-free dessert. Simply mix everything together, steam for a few hours, and voila! A tasty Christmas pudding that will impress your guests.
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Ice Cream, Christmas Pudding, Brandy
If you have any leftover Christmas pudding, why not turn it into a delicious ice cream dessert? This recipe combines leftover Christmas pudding with vanilla ice cream, brandy, and nuts to create a decadent and refreshing dessert. It's a great way to use up any extra pudding and add a fun twist to your holiday festivities.
For a healthier spin on the traditional Christmas pudding, try this carrot pudding recipe. It uses grated carrots, dried fruits, and a variety of spices to create a moist and flavorful dessert that is also packed with nutrients. It's perfect for those who want to indulge in a holiday treat without feeling guilty.
14of 20
Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Tia Maria, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Plain
If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still make a delicious Christmas pudding with your slow cooker. This recipe uses a combination of dried fruits, brown sugar, and spices, and it is steamed in the slow cooker for several hours. It's a great option for those who want to set it and forget it while they attend to other holiday preparations.
15of 20
Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Stoned Dates, Walnuts, Carrot, Dessert Apple, Golden
This sticky toffee Christmas pudding is a delicious twist on the traditional version. It combines the flavors of toffee and dates with a classic Christmas pudding to create a decadent and indulgent dessert. Serve it with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
16of 20
Grandma Marion’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Potato, Butter, Sugar, Flour, Allspice, Salt
This recipe comes from the creator's grandmother, making it a cherished family tradition. It uses a combination of dried fruits, breadcrumbs, and spices, and is steamed for several hours to create a rich and flavorful Christmas pudding. It's a great way to honor family traditions and create new memories with your loved ones.
17of 20
Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
If you're a fan of the classic mint-chocolate combination, then you'll love this royal mint Christmas pudding. It uses a combination of dried fruits, mint chocolate, and spices to create a unique and delicious pudding that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
18of 20
Cheats Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mincemeat, Cointreau, Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar
Short on time or ingredients? This cheats Christmas pudding is the perfect solution. It uses a simple combination of dried fruits, spices, and store-bought Christmas pudding mix to create a tasty and hassle-free dessert. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy a Christmas pudding without all the fuss.
19of 20
Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter
Main Ingredients: Dried Mixed Fruit, Cooking Apple, Juice, Brandy
This recipe stays true to the traditional Christmas pudding, but with a twist. It uses a combination of dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices, and is served with a decadent brandy butter for added richness and flavor. It's a classic dessert that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
20of 20
Mrs McGregor's steamed Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Mixed Fruit, Raisins, Sultanas, Dates, Prunes, Chopped
This steamed Christmas pudding recipe has been passed down through the generations and has become a beloved tradition in the creator's family. It uses a variety of dried fruits, spices, and suet, and is steamed for several hours to create a moist and flavorful pudding. Serve it with a generous helping of brandy custard for a truly indulgent dessert.
The History of English Steamed Christmas Pudding
The Origins
The origins of English steamed pudding can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was known as "plum pudding". It was originally a savory dish made with meat, vegetables, and dried fruits. However, over time, the meat was removed and it became a popular dessert served during the Christmas season.
The Tradition
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Christmas pudding became a popular tradition in England, especially among the wealthy. It was a symbol of the wealth and prosperity of a household, as it was made with expensive ingredients such as dried fruits, spices, and brandy. It was also believed to bring good luck and wealth to those who ate it.
The Stir-Up Sunday
English steamed pudding is traditionally made on "Stir-Up Sunday", which falls on the last Sunday before Advent. This day got its name from the phrase "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord", which is the opening line of the collect for the day in the Book of Common Prayer. On this day, families gather together to make the pudding, with each member taking turns to stir the mixture and make a wish.
The Ingredients
Featured keywords: Christmas, steamed pudding, recipe
The ingredients for an English steamed Christmas pudding may vary from family to family, but there are a few key ingredients that are essential for an authentic recipe. These include dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as candied citrus peel and dried figs. A variety of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are also added, along with breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and suet. The suet is what gives the pudding its rich and moist texture.
The Recipe
Now that you know a little bit about the history and tradition of English steamed pudding, it's time to get to the recipe. Related main keywords: traditional, delicious, Christmas dessert
To make this traditional and delicious Christmas dessert, you will need a pudding basin or large heatproof bowl, a steamer or a large pot with a lid, and some parchment paper. First, mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the dry mixture, along with melted suet and your choice of brandy or rum. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, butter your pudding basin or bowl and line it with parchment paper. Pour the pudding mixture into the basin, leaving enough space for it to expand while steaming. Cover the basin with a layer of parchment paper and a layer of foil, and secure it with a string around the rim.
Place the basin in a steamer or a pot with a few inches of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 6 hours, making sure to check the water level every hour and adding more if needed.
Once the pudding is steamed, remove it from the steamer or pot and let it cool for a few minutes before unmolding it onto a serving plate. Serve with a dollop of brandy butter or custard sauce for a truly indulgent dessert.
In Conclusion
English steamed pudding is a classic Christmas dessert that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and tradition make it a beloved dish in many households, and its delicious flavors will surely impress your loved ones. Give this recipe a try this holiday season and continue the tradition of making this festive treat.
