16+ Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!

The Origins of Christmas Pudding

The origins of Christmas pudding can be traced back to medieval England, where it was known as "plum pudding" due to its main ingredient of dried plums, or prunes. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of other dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and citrus peel. As sugar became more affordable and readily available, it was added to the mixture to create a sweeter, more indulgent pudding.

Christmas pudding became a popular dessert during the Victorian era, when it was traditionally made on the Sunday before Advent and left to mature until Christmas Day. It was also believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who ate it, with a silver coin often being hidden inside the pudding as an added surprise.

The Perfect Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

Now, let's get to the most important part - the recipe! This traditional Christmas pudding recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously moist and flavorful pudding that will be the star of your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried plums
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup suet (or vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup brandy or rum
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the dried fruits, candied peel, and brown sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, suet, flour, and spices.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the fruit mixture and stir well.
4. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the pudding mixture.
5. Slowly pour in the brandy or rum, stirring until the mixture is moist but not too wet.
6. Grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture into it.
7. Cover with a double layer of parchment paper and secure with string.
8. Place the pudding basin in a large pot and fill the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the basin.
9. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
10. Steam the pudding for 6 hours, adding more water if needed.
11. Remove from the pot and let cool before removing the parchment paper and turning the pudding out onto a plate.
12. Serve with a dollop of brandy butter or custard.

This traditional Christmas pudding is best made in advance, as it needs time to mature and develop its flavors. Simply reheat it on Christmas Day and enjoy!

In Conclusion

Christmas pudding is a cherished tradition in many households, and with this easy and delicious recipe, you can bring the magic of this beloved dessert to your own holiday table. So gather your loved ones, light the Christmas pudding, and make some new memories this holiday season.