Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday tradition—making my Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding! This rich and flavorful pudding is like a warm hug on a chilly winter night. Every year, as I gather the ingredients, the sweet aroma of dried plums, cinnamon, and mixed spices fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel all the cozy festive vibes. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a cherished recipe passed down through generations, bringing us together around the table. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, letting those flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, when you serve this pudding drizzled with creamy custard, you’ll see the smiles light up the room. It’s truly the heart of our Christmas celebrations!
Ingredients List
- 200g chopped dried plums
- 100g raisins
- 100g sultanas
- 100g packed brown sugar
- 200g fresh breadcrumbs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 100ml whole milk
- 50ml brandy
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
How to Prepare Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding
Getting your Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding ready is a delightful journey! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, chop the dried plums into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with the raisins and sultanas. This will help them blend well into the pudding.
- In another large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, self-raising flour, brown sugar, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Make sure it’s well combined to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Now, crack in the eggs, pour in the milk and brandy, and add the lemon and orange zests. Stir everything together until it’s a smooth mixture. The zests will add a lovely citrusy brightness that complements the sweetness of the fruits.
- Once combined, gently fold in the chopped fruits until they’re well coated in the batter. This is where the magic begins—you’ll see all those beautiful colors come together!
- Pour this rich mixture into a greased pudding basin, making sure to pack it down a bit. Cover the top tightly with parchment paper and then foil to keep the moisture in.
- Now, it’s time to steam! Place your pudding basin in a pot of simmering water, making sure the water doesn’t boil dry. Let it steam for about 6 hours. Yes, it’s a long time, but don’t worry—it’s worth every minute!
- Once done, let it cool completely before storing it in a cool place until you’re ready to serve. When the time comes, simply reheat by steaming for another 2 hours. The aroma will be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful, bursting with the warm spices of Christmas.
- Perfectly moist with every bite, thanks to the combination of dried fruits.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time, letting you enjoy more moments with loved ones.
- Impressive presentation that makes your holiday table look festive and inviting.
- Deliciously versatile—serve it with custard, cream, or even a scoop of ice cream!
- A traditional recipe full of nostalgia, perfect for sharing stories around the table.
- Great for making larger batches, so you can spread the joy by sharing with friends and family.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail it:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your dried fruits and spices really makes a difference. Look for plump, moist dried plums and fragrant spices to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t skip the steaming: Steaming is key to achieving that wonderfully moist texture. Make sure your water is simmering gently and check occasionally to prevent it from boiling dry. You might want to top it up with more water if needed.
- Let it rest: After steaming, allow your pudding to cool completely before storing. This helps the flavors develop beautifully. Plus, it makes reheating easier!
- Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of your favorite spices or even a handful of nuts for added texture. Just remember to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind.
- Store properly: Keep your pudding wrapped tightly in parchment and foil, or in an airtight container, to maintain its moisture and flavor until you’re ready to serve.
- Reheat gently: When it’s time to enjoy your pudding, steam it gently for two hours to warm it through. This will help bring back all those delightful aromas!
With these tips, you’re all set to create a show-stopping Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding that will make your holiday celebrations even more special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding properly is key to keeping it delicious for your festive gatherings. Once your pudding has cooled completely after steaming, wrap it tightly in parchment paper, then cover it with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. You can also place it in an airtight container if that’s easier for you. It’ll keep beautifully in a cool, dark place for several weeks—perfect for making ahead of time!
When it’s time to indulge, simply reheat your pudding by steaming it again for about 2 hours. Just pop it back in the steamer with some simmering water, ensuring the water doesn’t boil dry. This gentle reheating method will revive all those wonderful flavors and aromas, making your kitchen smell like Christmas all over again! Just remember to check on it occasionally, and if the water level gets low, add a bit more to keep things steaming smoothly. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you serve it warm, drizzled with creamy custard or fresh cream!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of my Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This pudding is a delightful treat, packed with flavor while still being mindful of your festive indulgences. Enjoy every slice, and remember, it’s all about balance during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I make Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few weeks in advance. Just store it properly once it’s cooled, and it’ll be even more flavorful when you reheat it for serving!
Do I have to use brandy in this recipe?
While brandy adds a lovely depth of flavor to the pudding, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple juice if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
What can I serve with my Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving it with warm custard or fresh cream. Some folks even enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive twist. You can’t go wrong with any of these!
Can I freeze the pudding?
Yes, you can! If you want to make it even further in advance, just wrap it well in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, steam it straight from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to ensure it heats through.
What if my pudding is too dry after steaming?
If your pudding turns out a bit dry, don’t worry! You can serve it with extra custard or cream to add moisture. In the future, make sure to check the water level during steaming to keep it nice and hydrated!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding, the right accompaniments can truly elevate the experience! Here are some delightful ideas that pair beautifully with this festive treat:
- Warm Custard: A classic choice! Pouring rich, creamy custard over a warm slice of pudding is pure heaven. The smoothness of the custard complements the spiced flavors perfectly.
- Fresh Cream: If you’re looking for something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely touch. It’s airy and balances the richness of the pudding.
- Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla or even brandy-flavored ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm pudding is just magical!
- Crumble Topping: If you want to add some texture, sprinkle a bit of crushed cookies or nuts on top just before serving. It adds a nice crunch and a little extra flavor.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal berries or citrus can brighten up the dish. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the sweetness beautifully!
- Spiced Tea or Mulled Wine: Pair your pudding with a cup of spiced tea or a glass of mulled wine. The warm spices will echo the flavors of the pudding and create a cozy atmosphere.
Whichever way you choose to serve it, your Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding will shine at the holiday table! Enjoy the joy it brings to your festive celebrations!
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Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding: 7 Cozy Traditions to Embrace
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful Christmas pudding filled with spiced plums.
Ingredients
- 200g dried plums
- 100g raisins
- 100g sultanas
- 100g brown sugar
- 200g breadcrumbs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 100ml milk
- 50ml brandy
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Chop the dried plums and mix with the raisins and sultanas.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flour, brown sugar, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
- Add the eggs, milk, brandy, and zests to the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped fruits until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin.
- Cover with parchment paper and foil.
- Steam for 6 hours, ensuring water does not boil dry.
- Let it cool, then store in a cool place until serving.
- Reheat by steaming for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Can be made weeks in advance.
- Serve with custard or cream.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Spiced Plum Christmas Pudding, Christmas dessert, festive pudding