Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe: Oh, Bring Me Some Figgy Pudding Holidays Desserts British Recipes

Christmas pudding originated in the 14th century. Christmas pudding is sweet steamed pudding made with dried fruit, and is traditionally served with Christmas dinner in Britain and some other countries. Traditional Christmas pudding does contain suet, or beef fat. If that doesn't appeal to you, simply omit the suet and double the butter.

Christmas pudding is steamed, not baked. You will need a round oven-proof bowl for this recipe, or purchase a pudding mold. This holiday pudding makes a fun food gift or centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.  

Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 1/2 hours

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup suet OR 1/4 cup more butter 
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups soft breadcrumbs
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup raisins soaked overnight in brandy (brandy is optional)
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and grated
• zest and juice from 1 orange

Here's how to make it: 

1. Line a pudding mold or round oven-proof bowl with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper. 
2. In a bowl, beat the butter and suet (or just butter) and sugar together. Add the eggs, flour, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Mix well. 
3. Add the breadcrumbs, raisins, currents, apple, and orange zest and juice. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold. 
4. Cut a circle of parchment paper to cover the top of the pudding. Butter it and place it over the top. 
5. Fill a pot large enough to hold the bowl with enough water to get halfway up the sides of the bowl. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover the pot and steam the pudding for about 6 hours. Check the water level occasionally and add more if needed. 
6. Let the pudding rest for a few minutes before unmolding. Serve with whipped cream, brandy butter or custard. Garnish as desired.

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