Festive Microwave Christmas Pudding
This Festive Microwave Christmas Pudding is a delightful, rich dessert that brings the warmth and spirit of the holidays right to your table. Blending an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this pudding captures the essence of Christmas. It’s an innovative creation that allows busy home cooks to create a traditional winter treat in a fraction of the time - just under 15 minutes of cooking! Perfect for making several weeks in advance, this pudding matures beautifully, becoming even more flavorful as it ages. Serve it warm with a creamy custard or a dollop of hard sauce for a truly indulgent experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
6 tablespoons (room temperature)
Currants
1 cup
Raisins
2/3 cup
Sultanas
2/3 cup
Ground Almonds
1 tablespoon (finely grounded)
Flour
3/4 cup
Brandy
1 tablespoon
Allspice
1/4 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Brown Sugar
6 tablespoons
Eggs
2
Lemon
1 (juice and rind of)
Molasses
3 tablespoons
Orange
1 (rind of, grated)
Browning Sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon (I use Kitchen Bouquet)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butter, currants, raisins, sultanas, and finely ground almonds. Mix well.
2
Stir in the flour, brandy, allspice, nutmeg, brown sugar, eggs, lemon juice and rind, molasses, and grated orange rind.
3
If desired, add browning sauce for darker color and mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Lightly butter a microwave-safe small Pyrex bowl (approximately 6 cups capacity) to prevent sticking.
5
Pack the pudding mixture gently into the bowl and cover it with lightly buttered wax paper, securing it in place with elastic bands.
6
Microwave the bowl on high for 5 minutes. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes afterward.
7
Continue microwaving for an additional 3 minutes on high, followed by another 5-minute rest.
8
Finally, cook for an additional 30 seconds on high and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9
Carefully unmold the pudding and let it cool on a wire rack. Brush it all over with your choice of rum, brandy, or whisky to enhance the flavor.
10
Wrap the pudding in greaseproof paper and store it at room temperature or refrigerate in a plastic bag. For longer preservation (up to several months), brush with spirits again after storage for the best flavor before serving.
11
When ready to serve, slice the pudding thinly with a sharp serrated knife and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Microwave Christmas Pudding?
It is a rich, traditional holiday dessert made with a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, innovatively adapted for quick microwave cooking.
How long does it take to cook this pudding?
The pudding cooks in the microwave for less than 15 minutes total, involving specific intervals of high power and resting.
Can I make this Christmas pudding in advance?
Yes, this pudding can be made several weeks in advance as it matures beautifully and becomes more flavorful over time.
What dried fruits are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of currants, raisins, and sultanas.
What type of bowl should be used for cooking?
You should use a small microwave-safe Pyrex bowl with a capacity of approximately 6 cups.
How do I ensure the pudding does not stick to the bowl?
You should lightly butter the microwave-safe bowl before packing the pudding mixture into it.
What is the power setting for the microwave?
The pudding should be cooked on the high power setting.
How long is the first microwave interval?
The first cooking interval is 5 minutes on high.
How long should the pudding rest after cooking?
The pudding requires a 5-minute rest period after each of the three microwave cooking sessions.
What is the purpose of browning sauce?
Browning sauce is used optionally to give the pudding a darker, more traditional appearance.
Is browning sauce mandatory?
No, browning sauce is an optional ingredient used for color enhancement.
What spirits can I use to flavor the pudding?
You can brush the pudding with your choice of rum, brandy, or whisky to enhance the flavor.
How should the pudding be stored?
Wrap the pudding in greaseproof paper and store it at room temperature or in a plastic bag.
Can I keep the pudding in the refrigerator?
Yes, it can be refrigerated in a plastic bag for storage.
How long can the pudding be preserved?
The pudding can be preserved for several months if you periodically brush it with spirits during storage.
How should the pudding be served?
It should be served warm, sliced thinly with a sharp serrated knife.
What are the recommended accompaniments?
It is delicious when served with a creamy custard or a dollop of hard sauce.
How should the pudding be sliced?
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut thin slices for serving.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The pudding is flavored with allspice and nutmeg.
Are nuts included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes one tablespoon of finely ground almonds.
What is the total microwave cooking time?
The total active microwave time is 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
Should the pudding bowl be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the bowl with lightly buttered wax paper during the microwave process.
How do I secure the wax paper cover?
Secure the buttered wax paper in place using elastic bands around the bowl.
What kind of sugar is used for this dessert?
The recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Does the recipe use citrus fruit?
Yes, it uses the juice and rind of one lemon and the grated rind of one orange.
Is molasses required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 tablespoons of molasses.
When should I unmold the pudding?
Unmold the pudding carefully after the final cooking and resting cycle is complete.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
What is the capacity of the recommended Pyrex bowl?
A Pyrex bowl with a capacity of approximately 6 cups is recommended.
Does the recipe use flour?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of flour.