Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe (UK) | Classic British Holiday Dessert – Universal Kitchen

Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe (UK) | Classic British                        Holiday Dessert – Universal Kitchen


Christmas Pudding, also known as Plum Pudding or Figgy Pudding, is one of the most traditional and iconic Christmas desserts in the United Kingdom. Despite the name “plum,” the pudding does not contain actual plums. Historically, “plum” meant dried fruits, so the dessert is packed with raisins, currants, sultanas, cherries, nuts, and warm spices.

This pudding is rich, dense, fruity, and deeply spiced, making it the perfect finish to a Christmas meal. It is usually made weeks — sometimes months — before Christmas, allowing the flavors to mature. Many families prepare it on “Stir-Up Sunday,” the last Sunday before Advent.

Christmas Pudding is steamed slowly for several hours, giving it a moist, soft, and sticky texture. Before serving, people often warm it up again and pour over a little brandy, which is then set on fire briefly for a dramatic “flaming pudding” presentation. It is traditionally served with brandy butter, custard, or cream.

Ingredients (Traditional UK Style)

  • 1 cup raisins

  • 1 cup currants

  • ½ cup chopped dates

  • ½ cup mixed peel

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup flour

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup melted butter

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ½ tsp mixed spice

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • 2 tbsp orange juice

  • ¼ cup milk

  • 2 tbsp brandy or rum (optional but traditional)

How to Make Christmas Pudding – Full                             Descriptive Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

In a large bowl, add raisins, currants, dates, and mixed peel. Pour in the brandy (or orange juice if non-alcoholic) and mix well. Let the fruits soak for at least 1 hour — this helps them become soft and juicy, making your pudding richer and more flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended.
This dry mixture gives the pudding structure and its warm Christmas aroma.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and milk to the soaked fruit mixture. Mix well. Now pour in the dry mixture and stir until everything forms a thick, sticky batter.
The mixture should be soft but not runny — this helps the pudding steam properly.

Step 4: Fill the Pudding Bowl

Grease a pudding bowl or heat-proof container with butter. Spoon the pudding mixture inside, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Cover the top tightly with baking paper and foil.This prevents water from entering while steaming.

Step 5: Steam the Pudding

Place the pudding bowl inside a large pot. Fill the pot halfway with hot water (not covering the bowl).
Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 3–4 hours on low heat.
Check water levels occasionally and refill if needed.

Steaming slowly gives the pudding its moist, dense, and rich texture.

Step 6: Cool & Store (Optional Traditional Step)

After steaming, let the pudding cool completely. Many households store their pudding for a few days or even weeks, as the flavors deepen over time. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Step 7: Reheat Before Serving

When serving, steam the pudding again for 30–40 minutes to warm it fully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Pudding with:

  • Brandy sauce

  • Warm custard

  • Thick cream

  • Vanilla ice cream




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