The Best Christmas Pudding Recipe for a Cozy, Festive Treat

Natalie

The founder of Cookleez

There’s something deeply comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of Christmas pudding simmering on the stove, filling the home with festive cheer. Every year, I look forward to making this classic dessert—not just for its rich flavors of dried fruits and warming spices but for the memories it stirs up around the holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply love homemade treats, this Christmas pudding recipe is surprisingly straightforward and wonderfully indulgent. Trust me, once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never want to rely on store-bought again. Let me share how you can bring that timeless tradition to your kitchen, creating a dessert that’s as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing.

Why choose Christmas Pudding today?

Rich Tradition: Christmas pudding brings a festive heritage right to your table. Deep, warm flavors: The blend of spices, dried fruits, and molasses creates a luscious taste that’s both comforting and indulgent. Hands-on fun: Making it from scratch is a rewarding, easy process perfect for all skill levels. Versatile dessert: Serve it warm with cream, custard, or brandy butter to suit every preference. Crowd-pleaser: This classic treat never fails to impress family and friends during the holiday season.

Christmas Pudding Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture

Mixed dried fruit – a blend of raisins, sultanas, currants, and chopped dates adds natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Candied peel – provides a zesty citrus contrast to the rich fruitiness.
Dark brown sugar – deepens the flavor with molasses notes essential to Christmas pudding.

For the Binding and Spice

Fresh breadcrumbs – help bind the mixture while soaking up the delicious flavors.
All-purpose flour – adds structure and keeps the pudding firm yet tender.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – deliver that warm, comforting spice signature to Christmas pudding.

For the Liquids and Extras

Beaten eggs – naturally bind all ingredients together for a smooth, unified batter.
Dark ale or stout – enriches the pudding with malty depth and moistness.
Brandy or rum – enhances the festive flavor and adds a subtle kick.

For Serving

Brandy butter or heavy cream – perfect for a silky finish that complements the rich Christmas pudding perfectly.

How to Make Christmas Pudding

Soak Fruit: In a bowl, stir mixed dried fruit, candied peel, dark brown sugar and brandy. Let it rest for at least 1 hour until plump and glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk fresh breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until evenly combined and fragrant.
Blend Batter: Beat eggs, dark ale and rum in a separate jug, then pour into the dry mix. Fold gently with a spatula until a smooth, thick batter forms.
Prepare Basin: Grease a 2–3 pint pudding basin thoroughly. Spoon in the batter, smooth the surface, then cover with a double layer of parchment and foil, securing with string.
Steam Pudding: Place the basin into a steamer or large pot. Steam over simmering water for 5–6 hours, topping up water as needed, until the pudding is firm and deep brown.
Cool & Mature: Remove the pudding and let cool completely. Store in a cool, dry spot for 2–3 days to mature flavors, or refrigerate up to one week before serving.
Reheat to Serve: Reheat pudding by steaming for 20 minutes or microwaving slices on medium power for 30–45 seconds. Serve warm with brandy butter, cream or custard for a festive finish.

Optional: Top with grated orange zest for an extra citrus twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pudding

Room Temperature: Keep cooled Christmas pudding wrapped tightly in parchment and foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy!

Fridge: Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, allowing flavors to meld and deepen while keeping it deliciously moist.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices of Christmas pudding in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When you’re ready to serve, reheat by steaming for 20 minutes or microwave slices on medium power for 30–45 seconds to ensure your Christmas pudding remains soft and flavorful.

Expert Tips for Christmas Pudding

Soak Fruit Properly: Allow dried fruits to soak in brandy or rum for at least an hour to plump up and infuse deep flavor into your Christmas pudding.
Avoid Overmixing: Fold the wet and dry ingredients gently to keep the pudding light; too much stirring can make it dense.
Seal Your Basin Well: Secure the parchment and foil tightly to prevent water from seeping in during steaming, ensuring a moist, perfectly cooked pudding.
Monitor Steaming Water: Keep the water simmering gently and top up frequently to avoid drying out or burning the pudding.
Mature Before Serving: Let your Christmas pudding rest for a couple of days to develop richer, harmonious flavors that warm the heart.
Warm It Gently: Reheat slowly to preserve texture and prevent overcooking; steaming is best for even warmth without drying out this classic Christmas pudding.

What to Serve with Christmas Pudding?

Indulging in Christmas pudding invites a world of delightful pairings that elevate your festive feast.

Brandy Butter: This rich, creamy spread melts beautifully over warm pudding, enhancing flavors while adding a luxurious finish.
Heavy Cream: Pouring silky, whipped cream over the pudding creates a heavenly contrast that balances its sumptuousness perfectly.
Custard: A warm, smooth custard is a classic companion that adds a comforting, creamy layer to your indulgent dessert experience.
Citrus Zest: Freshly grated orange or lemon zest adds a bright note, cutting through the richness of the pudding and refreshing the palate.
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or tart blackberries offer a vibrant pop of color and a tangy balance to the earthy sweetness of the pudding.
Spiced Tea: A fragrant, warming cup of spiced chai or cinnamon tea complements the holiday spices in the pudding while enhancing that cozy atmosphere.
Port or Sweet Wine: Pouring a glass of sweet wine brings out the figs and dried fruits in the pudding, inviting a harmonious blend of flavors on your tasting journey.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or spiced ice cream on the side adds a delightful temperature contrast, making each bite even more satisfying.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas puddings are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can soak the mixed dried fruit and candied peel up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances their flavor and plumpness. After preparing the batter, it’s best to steam the pudding and let it cool, but if you’re short on time, you can refrigerate it and let it mature for up to 1 week before serving. To maintain the pudding’s rich taste and texture, ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to enjoy your Christmas pudding, simply reheat it by steaming for 20 minutes, and serve it warm with brandy butter or cream for that cozy holiday touch!

Christmas Pudding Variations

Feel free to play with this classic Christmas pudding recipe and make it your own!

Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the pudding. It’s a lovely way to incorporate a little extra flavor and texture!
Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, and use plant-based milk or coconut milk instead of stout for a vegan-friendly version that still packs a flavorful punch.
Fruit Fusion: Swap the traditional dried fruits for tropical options like mango and pineapple. This bright variation adds a fresh twist to the classic holiday dessert, perfect for those seeking something unique!
Spicy Boost: Incorporate grated fresh ginger or a pinch of cloves for an extra layer of spice that will tingle your taste buds and warm your belly. This step transforms your pudding into a firecracker of flavor!
Chocolate Surprise: Fold in some dark chocolate chunks for a decadent treat that brings a sweet richness to the already delightful pudding. Chocolate makes everything better and this dish is no exception!
Citrus Zing: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice in addition to the candied peel. This zesty hint brightens the flavor profile and makes every bite a little more refreshing.
Chai Infusion: Replace the mixed spices with a chai spice blend to give your pudding a cozy, warm flavor reminiscent of your favorite winter tea. It’s a fragrant and comforting variation sure to impress!
Boozy Variety: Experiment with different spirits like whiskey or spiced rum instead of brandy for a twist that brings new flavor nuances to your pudding. Each liquor brings its own personality to this festive dessert!

Christmas Pudding Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my dried fruit is good to use in Christmas pudding?
Look for dried fruit that is plump, moist, and free from hard spots or dark moldy areas. Fresh-looking, fragrant fruit will soak up the brandy beautifully, giving your pudding that perfect rich texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store Christmas pudding after cooking?
Once cooled, wrap your pudding tightly in parchment and foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This helps the flavors deepen while keeping it moist and delicious.

Can I freeze Christmas pudding? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freeze individual slices for convenience by wrapping them well in cling film, then placing them in airtight freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently by steaming or microwaving on medium power for 30–45 seconds.

What if my Christmas pudding turns out too dense or dry?
This usually means the mixture was overmixed or it steamed too long without enough water. To fix this, steam your pudding gently, topping up water frequently, and fold the batter gently when mixing. Next time, don’t worry—practice makes perfect, and this recipe is forgiving!

Is Christmas pudding safe for pets or people with food allergies?
Christmas pudding contains alcohol, dried fruits, and nuts (if you choose to add them), which can be harmful to pets and some individuals with allergies. Always avoid sharing with pets, and clearly communicate ingredients to guests with allergies to keep everyone safe and happy.