Rich boiled Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries during the holiday season. It is a staple at many Christmas dinners, and every family has their own special recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. This delicious treat is a symbol of the festive season and is filled with a variety of rich flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. If you're looking to make a statement with your Christmas dessert, then look no further than this rich boiled Christmas pudding recipe.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Christmas pudding is a classic holiday dessert that is loved by many. This rich and flavorful pudding is typically made with dried fruit, spices, and brandy, and then steamed or boiled to perfection. It's a must-have on the Christmas dinner table and is often served with a warm brandy sauce or custard. Here are 20 delicious Christmas pudding recipes to add to your holiday menu.
2of 20
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 traditional Christmas pudding, try this eggless Christmas pudding cheesecake recipe. It combines the rich flavors of Christmas pudding with the creamy texture of cheesecake for a decadent and indulgent dessert. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover Christmas pudding you may have.
3of 20
English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
For a classic and traditional English Christmas pudding, this recipe is a must-try. Made with dried fruit, spices, and stout or dark beer, this pudding is rich, moist, and full of flavor. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or custard for the perfect holiday treat.
4of 20
Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
Figgy pudding, also known as traditional Christmas pudding, is a staple on many holiday tables. This moist and fruity pudding is typically made with figs, raisins, and other dried fruits, as well as spices and brandy. It's a delicious and festive dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you're looking for a simple and traditional Christmas pudding recipe, look no further. This recipe uses basic ingredients like raisins, currants, and spices to create a delicious and comforting holiday dessert. It's perfect for those who prefer a more traditional approach to Christmas cooking.
6of 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 ingredients like almond milk and flaxseed to create a moist and flavorful pudding without the use of any animal products. Serve it with a vegan custard or whipped cream for a complete holiday dessert.
7of 20
Instant Pot Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Dried Dates, Finely Chopped Pecans
If you have an Instant Pot, you can make a delicious Christmas pudding in no time with this recipe. Simply mix together the ingredients, pour it into your Instant Pot, and let it cook to perfection. This is a great option for those who are short on time but still want a homemade Christmas pudding.
8of 20
Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Tia Maria, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Plain
For a fuss-free Christmas pudding, try this slow cooker recipe. It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time. Simply mix together the ingredients, pour it into your slow cooker, and let it cook while you focus on other holiday preparations. The result is a moist and flavorful pudding that everyone will love.
9of 20
Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Pitted Dates, Pitted Prunes, Coconut Oil
If you're looking for a healthier option for Christmas pudding, this recipe is for you. It uses whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and honey instead of traditional ingredients like butter and refined sugar. The result is a lighter and more nutritious pudding that still has all the flavors of the holiday season.
10of 20
Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster, Suet, Sultanas, Raisins, Currants
Another slow cooker option, this recipe adds a twist to traditional Christmas pudding by incorporating cranberries and white chocolate. The result is a festive and delicious pudding that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
For those with dietary restrictions, this gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe is a game changer. It uses gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, as well as gluten-free beer or cider, to create a delicious and safe dessert for those with gluten intolerance. No one has to miss out on enjoying Christmas pudding this year.
12of 20
Alcohol-free Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Apple, Dried Mixed Fruit, Orange Juice, Lemon Zest
If you're looking for an alcohol-free option, this recipe is for you. It uses apple juice instead of brandy and is also dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Despite the lack of alcohol, this pudding is still full of flavor and is a great option for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.
13of 20
Simplified Mincemeat Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mincemeat, Orange Marmalade, Dark Brown Sugar
This simplified mincemeat Christmas pudding recipe is perfect for those who want all the flavors of traditional Christmas pudding without the hassle. It uses store-bought mincemeat and ready-made pastry for a quick and easy dessert that still has all the rich and festive flavors of the holiday season.
14of 20
Nutella Christmas Pudding Truffles
Main Ingredients: Double Cream, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Nutella
If you're a fan of Nutella, you have to try these Nutella Christmas pudding truffles. They are a fun and delicious twist on traditional Christmas pudding and make for a great holiday treat or gift. They are also no-bake and require only a few ingredients, making them a perfect last-minute dessert option.
15of 20
Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
This royal mint Christmas pudding recipe adds a refreshing twist to traditional Christmas pudding. It uses peppermint extract and chocolate chips for a minty and chocolatey flavor that is sure to be a hit with everyone. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that will leave your guests wanting more.
16of 20
Christmas Pudding with Hard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Butter, Grated Carrot, Potato, Golden Raisins, Pitted
For a classic and indulgent Christmas pudding, try this recipe that includes a rich and creamy hard sauce. The sauce is made with butter, brown sugar, and brandy, and is the perfect topping for the moist and flavorful pudding. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a decadent holiday dessert.
17of 20
Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
This recipe for Irish American Mom's Christmas pudding is a family favorite that has been passed down for generations. It uses traditional ingredients like dried fruit, spices, and Guinness for a rich and delicious pudding that is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household.
18of 20
Christmas Pudding With Brandy Cream
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Black Tea, Sherry, Brandy
For a boozy and indulgent Christmas pudding, try this recipe that includes a delicious brandy cream. The cream is made with heavy cream, brandy, and powdered sugar, and is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and flavorful pudding. It's a match made in heaven and a must-try for any brandy lover.
19of 20
British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
This British Christmas pudding recipe is a true classic that will transport you to the streets of London during the holiday season. It uses traditional ingredients like suet, brown sugar, and brandy for a rich and authentic flavor. Serve it with a warm brandy sauce for a truly British experience.
20of 20
Rich Christmas Pudding with Muscat Custard
Main Ingredients: Pitted Prunes, Currants, Raisins, Dried Cranberries
For a truly decadent and luxurious Christmas pudding, try this recipe that includes a muscat custard. The custard is made with muscat wine, egg yolks, and sugar, and is the perfect complement to the rich and moist pudding. It's a dessert fit for a king or queen and will make for a memorable Christmas meal.
The History of Christmas Pudding
The Origins
The origins of Christmas pudding date back to medieval England, where it was known as "plum pudding" due to its main ingredient of dried plums. It was originally made with a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices and was often served as a fasting meal during the Advent season. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more sweet ingredients, such as dried fruits, sugar, and spices, and the meat was eventually dropped from the recipe. By the 19th century, Christmas pudding had become a popular dessert, and it is now an essential part of the traditional Christmas feast.
The Symbolism
Christmas pudding is not just a delicious dessert; it is also rich in symbolism. Many believe that the ingredients used in the pudding represent the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus on the first Christmas. The dried fruits represent gold, the spices represent frankincense, and the sugar represents myrrh. The addition of a silver coin in the pudding is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the person who finds it in their serving. So not only is Christmas pudding a tasty holiday treat, but it also holds a deeper meaning and tradition.
The Perfect Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped dried figs
1 cup chopped dried dates
1 cup chopped mixed candied peel
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together all the dried fruits, candied peel, and almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brandy, orange juice, melted butter, molasses, brown sugar, spices, and salt.
Pour the wet mixture over the dried fruit mixture and stir until well combined.
Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture and stir until just combined.
Grease a 2-quart pudding basin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Pour the pudding mixture into the basin and smooth out the top.
Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and a layer of aluminum foil, and secure with kitchen twine.
Place the pudding basin in a large pot and fill the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the pot and let the pudding steam for 6-8 hours, checking periodically to make sure the water hasn't evaporated.
Once done, let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the basin and serving with your choice of holiday sauce.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect rich boiled Christmas pudding recipe, impress your friends and family with this delicious and symbolic dessert this holiday season. This traditional treat will surely become a new favorite at your Christmas table and will make for a memorable addition to your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the rich and festive flavors of Christmas pudding.
