15 Traditional Boiled Christmas Pudding Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Apr 28, 2024
Christmas is a time for traditions, and one of the most beloved traditions is the traditional boiled Christmas pudding. This classic dessert has been a staple in many households for generations, and for good reason. The rich flavors, warm spices, and festive presentation make it the perfect way to end a holiday meal. In this article, we will explore the history of this iconic dish and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to create your own traditional boiled Christmas pudding this holiday season.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken and adds a holiday twist. The chicken is rubbed with a mixture of Christmas spices and glazed with a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. It's the perfect main course for your Christmas dinner and is sure to become a family favorite.
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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 and decadent way to use up your leftover beer can chicken, try this recipe for a creamy and rich cheesecake. The chicken is mixed with cream cheese, eggs, and spices to create a savory and satisfying dessert that will leave your guests begging for more.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
This recipe stays true to the classic English Christmas pudding, but with a twist. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of stout beer, herbs, and spices, giving it a rich and robust flavor. It's then roasted until golden and served with a side of savory gravy.
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional beer can chicken. It's made with a mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and is steamed to perfection. The result is a moist and flavorful chicken that will transport you to the holiday season with every bite.
For a more traditional approach, try this simple and delicious recipe for a beer can chicken. The chicken is stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, and then roasted to crispy perfection. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Vegan Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Water, Mixed Dried Fruit
If you're looking for a vegan option, this recipe is for you. The beer can chicken is made with a mixture of lentils, vegetables, and spices, and is served with a flavorful tomato sauce. It's a healthier alternative that still packs a punch of flavor.
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Instant Pot Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Dried Dates, Finely Chopped Pecans
Short on time? This recipe is perfect for you. The beer can chicken is cooked in an instant pot, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish in half the time. It's rubbed with a mixture of herbs and spices and served with a side of tangy cranberry sauce.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Tia Maria, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Plain
For a hands-off approach, try this recipe for a slow cooker beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked low and slow with a mixture of spices and herbs, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Pitted Dates, Pitted Prunes, Coconut Oil
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe is for you. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs, resulting in a tangy and flavorful dish. It's perfect for those looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing taste.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster, Suet, Sultanas, Raisins, Currants
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken and makes it even easier by using a slow cooker. The chicken is rubbed with a mixture of spices and herbs and slow-cooked to perfection. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy and comforting meal.
If you're following a gluten-free diet, this recipe is for you. The beer can chicken is made with a gluten-free beer and is stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and herbs. It's a delicious and flavorful option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Alcohol-free Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Apple, Dried Mixed Fruit, Orange Juice, Lemon Zest
For those who prefer an alcohol-free option, this recipe is perfect. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and non-alcoholic beer, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Simplified Mincemeat Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mincemeat, Orange Marmalade, Dark Brown Sugar
This recipe takes the classic beer can chicken and simplifies it by using store-bought mincemeat as a stuffing. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy holiday dinner. Serve it with a side of cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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Nutella Christmas Pudding Truffles
Main Ingredients: Double Cream, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Nutella
For a unique and indulgent dessert, try this recipe for Nutella beer can chicken truffles. The chicken is mixed with cream cheese, Nutella, and crushed graham crackers, resulting in a rich and decadent treat. They're perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
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Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
This recipe adds a refreshing and minty twist to the traditional beer can chicken. The chicken is infused with peppermint extract and topped with a creamy and tangy mint sauce. It's a delicious and unexpected flavor combination that will elevate your holiday dinner.
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Christmas Pudding with Hard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Butter, Grated Carrot, Potato, Golden Raisins, Pitted
This recipe takes the beer can chicken and serves it with a traditional hard sauce made with butter, sugar, and brandy. The result is a rich and indulgent dish that's perfect for a special occasion. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
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Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
This recipe combines the best of both worlds with a traditional Irish beer can chicken and a creamy American-style sauce. The chicken is infused with a mixture of Irish whiskey, herbs, and spices and is served with a creamy and tangy sauce. It's a delicious and unique dish that will impress your guests.
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Christmas Pudding With Brandy Cream
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Black Tea, Sherry, Brandy
This recipe takes the classic beer can chicken and tops it with a boozy and creamy brandy sauce. The result is a rich and indulgent dish that's perfect for a special occasion. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
This recipe stays true to the classic British beer can chicken, but with a twist. The chicken is stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, and then topped with a savory and tangy gravy. It's a delicious and hearty dish that's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Christmas Pudding for Stir Up Sunday
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour, Ground
For those who celebrate Stir Up Sunday, this recipe is perfect for you. The beer can chicken is made with a mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and spices and is steamed to perfection. Serve it with a side of creamy custard for a traditional and comforting dessert.
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Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Christmas just isn't complete without a delicious and traditional Christmas pudding. This rich and flavorful dessert has been a staple in British and Irish holiday celebrations for centuries. But why limit yourself to the same old recipe every year? Get creative with these top 20 beer can chicken recipes that put a unique twist on this classic Christmas dessert.
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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 way to use up leftover Christmas pudding, this recipe is for you. This eggless Christmas pudding cheesecake combines the rich and spicy flavors of traditional Christmas pudding with a creamy and indulgent cheesecake filling. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it's sure to be a hit with your holiday guests.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
For a more traditional take on Christmas pudding, try this English Christmas pudding recipe. It's packed with dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy for a truly decadent dessert. Serve it with a dollop of brandy cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
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Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Candied Orange
If you want to go even more traditional, this figgy pudding recipe is the way to go. This rich and moist pudding is packed with figs, dates, and sultanas, and is steamed to perfection. Serve it with a warm brandy sauce for a truly festive dessert.
For a classic and foolproof recipe, look no further than this traditional Christmas pudding. It's filled with raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, and is flavored with a generous amount of brandy. It's then steamed for several hours for a dense and flavorful pudding that is sure to impress.
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Vegan Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Water, Mixed Dried Fruit
Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on the Christmas pudding fun. This vegan Christmas pudding recipe is made with all plant-based ingredients, but still packs a punch of flavor with dried fruits, spices, and a splash of rum. Serve it with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a tasty and guilt-free holiday treat.
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Instant Pot Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Dried Dates, Finely Chopped Pecans
Short on time? This Instant Pot Christmas pudding recipe is perfect for you. Simply mix all the ingredients together, place them in your Instant Pot, and let it do the work for you. In just a fraction of the time, you'll have a delicious and flavorful Christmas pudding ready to serve.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Dried Fruit, Tia Maria, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Plain
If you prefer to use your slow cooker for holiday cooking, this slow cooker Christmas pudding is a must-try. Just like the Instant Pot recipe, all you have to do is mix the ingredients together and let it cook on low for several hours. The result? A moist and flavorful Christmas pudding that will have your whole family asking for seconds.
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Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Pitted Dates, Pitted Prunes, Coconut Oil
For a healthier take on Christmas pudding, try this quick and healthy recipe. It's made with whole wheat flour, honey, and a variety of dried fruits and nuts for a guilt-free dessert option. Plus, it can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday preparations.
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Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Butter, Caster, Suet, Sultanas, Raisins, Currants
Here's another delicious slow cooker Christmas pudding recipe that is sure to please. This version includes a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate for a truly indulgent dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
If you or someone in your family has a gluten intolerance, this gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe is a must-try. It's made with almond flour and gluten-free flour, but still packs a punch of flavor with dried fruits, spices, and a splash of brandy.
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Alcohol-free Christmas pudding
Main Ingredients: Apple, Dried Mixed Fruit, Orange Juice, Lemon Zest
For those who don't drink alcohol or want to make a family-friendly version, this alcohol-free Christmas pudding is a great option. It's made with grape juice instead of brandy, but still has the same rich and spicy flavors as a traditional Christmas pudding.
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Simplified Mincemeat Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mincemeat, Orange Marmalade, Dark Brown Sugar
Mincemeat can be a daunting ingredient for some, but this simplified mincemeat Christmas pudding recipe makes it easy. It's a simple and straightforward recipe that combines store-bought mincemeat with traditional Christmas pudding ingredients for a delicious and hassle-free dessert option.
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Nutella Christmas Pudding Truffles
Main Ingredients: Double Cream, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Nutella
If you want to get creative with your Christmas pudding, try making these Nutella Christmas pudding truffles. They're a fun and tasty twist on the classic dessert, with a rich and creamy Nutella center coated in a layer of dark chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles.
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Royal Mint Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour
For a truly decadent and festive dessert, try this Royal Mint Christmas pudding. It's infused with mint flavors and filled with raisins, dates, and apricots for a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Christmas pudding.
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Christmas Pudding with Hard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Butter, Grated Carrot, Potato, Golden Raisins, Pitted
Hard sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Christmas pudding, and this recipe takes it to the next level. It's made with butter, sugar, and brandy for a rich and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the dense and flavorful Christmas pudding.
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Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
This Christmas pudding recipe comes straight from an Irish American mom, so you know it's the real deal. It's packed with dried fruits and flavored with whiskey and Guinness for a uniquely Irish twist on the classic dessert.
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Christmas Pudding With Brandy Cream
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Black Tea, Sherry, Brandy
For a simple but delicious Christmas pudding, try this recipe that includes a decadent brandy cream. It's made with whipped cream, brandy, and a touch of sugar for a creamy and boozy topping that takes this dessert to the next level.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
This British Christmas pudding recipe stays true to tradition with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy. It's then steamed for several hours, resulting in a dense and flavorful pudding that is perfect for the holidays.
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Christmas Pudding for Stir Up Sunday
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Raisins, Water, Plain Flour, Ground
Stir Up Sunday is a tradition in the UK where families gather to make their Christmas pudding weeks in advance to let it mature and intensify in flavor. This recipe is perfect for Stir Up Sunday, with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and brandy that will have your whole house smelling like Christmas.
The History of Traditional Boiled Christmas Pudding
A Dish with Ancient Roots
The origins of the traditional boiled Christmas pudding can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the god Saturn. During this festival, a pottage (a savory dish made with meat and grains) was served as a symbol of the harvest and the coming of winter. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, this dish evolved into a sweet pudding, with the addition of dried fruits, spices, and rum. It became a popular dish for Christmas celebrations, and by the 17th century, it had become a staple in British households.
The Evolution of Ingredients
Over the years, the ingredients used in traditional boiled Christmas pudding have changed to reflect the availability of ingredients and changes in taste preferences. Originally, the pudding was made with beef suet, dried fruits, spices, and breadcrumbs. However, as the dish gained popularity, ingredients such as citrus fruits, nutmeg, and brandy were added to enhance the flavors. Today, there are countless variations of the recipe, but the essence of the dish remains the same.
Creating Your Own Traditional Boiled Christmas Pudding
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now that you know the history behind this festive dessert, it's time to try your hand at making your own traditional boiled Christmas pudding. Here is a simple recipe that will yield a delicious and authentic pudding for your holiday table:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and add in 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Fold in 1 cup of chopped dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots) and ½ cup of sliced almonds.
5. Grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture into it. Cover with parchment paper and secure with a string.
6. Place the basin in a large pot and add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover and simmer for 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed.
7. Once done, remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the basin.
8. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of brandy butter or vanilla custard.
A Festive Tradition to Enjoy
There is something truly special about making your own traditional boiled Christmas pudding. The process of steaming the pudding and letting it cool creates a unique texture and depth of flavor that cannot be replicated. So, gather your loved ones, turn on some holiday music, and make this iconic dish a part of your holiday traditions. Happy cooking and merry Christmas!