Festive Spiced Plum Pudding
This Festive Spiced Plum Pudding is a cherished Christmas tradition that brings warmth and joy to our holiday celebrations. Each year, I begin preparing these delights in October, lovingly crafting several to share with family and friends as gifts. The rich combination of sultanas, raisins, and prunes, along with the zesty brightness of lemon and orange, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. The addition of stout beer and brandy enhances the depth and complexity, making every bite a comforting experience. With the perfect balance of spices and moistness, this pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt gift of love, reserved for special occasions like Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, ensuring laughter, nostalgia, and full bellies during the holiday season. Plus, I’ve found that leftover slices are wonderfully delightful whether reheated or enjoyed cold!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sultanas (golden raisins)
2 cups (None)
Raisins (chopped)
1 1/2 cups (Chop)
Prunes (chopped)
1 cup (Chop)
Mixed peel (chopped)
1 cup (Chop)
Lemon zest
1 (Zest)
Orange zest
1 (Zest)
Blanched almonds (chopped)
1/2 cup (Chop)
Large carrot (grated)
1 (Grate)
Butter
250 g (Softened)
Soft white breadcrumbs
2 cups (None)
Brown sugar
1 cup (None)
Plain flour
1 cup (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Large eggs
4 (Beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (None)
Stout beer (such as Guinness)
200 ml (None)
Brandy
50 ml (None)
Instructions
1
Grease two large pudding basins thoroughly and set them aside.
2
In two large saucepans, bring water to a boil, placing a trivet, wire rack, or pottery saucer at the bottom of each saucepan to prevent direct contact with the pudding basins.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: soft white breadcrumbs, brown sugar, plain flour, salt, nutmeg, and mixed spice. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
4
Using your fingertips, rub the softened butter into the dry mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
5
Add the sultanas, chopped raisins, chopped prunes, mixed peel, grated carrot, and blanched almonds to the dry mixture. Mix them in thoroughly.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, stout, brandy, lemon zest, and orange zest until well combined.
7
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and using your hands, mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
8
Divide the pudding mixture evenly between the prepared basins, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top for expansion.
9
Cover each basin with a layer of greaseproof paper, followed by two layers of aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal by securing it with string.
10
Place the covered puddings into the prepared saucepans, making sure the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the basins. Cover the saucepans with lids.
11
Boil the puddings steadily for 5 hours, adding boiling water as necessary to maintain the water level.
12
On the day of serving, boil the puddings for an additional hour to warm them through.
13
Serve the pudding warm with your choice of cream, ice cream, custard, or brandy sauce, or for an extra treat, enjoy the leftovers fried in butter or as is!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Spiced Plum Pudding?
It is a traditional Christmas dessert made with a rich combination of dried fruits, spices, stout, and brandy, often prepared months in advance.
When is the best time to start preparing this pudding?
The recipe suggests starting in October to allow the flavors to develop before holiday celebrations.
What dried fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe includes sultanas (golden raisins), chopped raisins, and chopped prunes.
Does this pudding contain any citrus?
Yes, it uses both lemon zest and orange zest, along with mixed peel for a bright flavor.
What types of alcohol are included in the ingredients?
This recipe calls for 200 ml of stout beer (like Guinness) and 50 ml of brandy.
Is there a secret vegetable in this plum pudding?
Yes, one large grated carrot is included to add moisture and texture to the pudding.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped blanched almonds.
Which spices provide the festive flavor?
The pudding is seasoned with nutmeg and mixed spice.
How should I prepare the pudding basins?
You should grease two large pudding basins thoroughly before adding the mixture.
How long does the pudding need to boil initially?
The puddings should be boiled steadily for 5 hours during the initial preparation.
How much space should I leave at the top of the basin?
Leave about 1 inch of space at the top of the basin to allow the pudding to expand.
How do I seal the pudding basins for boiling?
Cover each basin with greaseproof paper and two layers of aluminum foil, then secure tightly with string.
How do I prevent the basins from burning on the bottom of the pot?
Place a trivet, wire rack, or pottery saucer at the bottom of the saucepan to prevent direct contact.
How long should I boil the pudding on the day I serve it?
On the day of serving, boil the pudding for an additional hour to warm it through.
What can I serve with Festive Spiced Plum Pudding?
It pairs well with cream, ice cream, custard, or brandy sauce.
Can I eat the leftovers cold?
Yes, leftover slices are delightful whether they are reheated or enjoyed cold.
What is the recommended mixing technique for the final batter?
Use your hands to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
What kind of breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of soft white breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays other than Christmas?
Yes, it is also recommended for New Year's and Easter celebrations.
How many puddings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill two large pudding basins.
What is the role of the butter in the dry mix?
Softened butter is rubbed into the dry mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
How much stout is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 200 ml of stout beer.
How do I maintain the water level during the long boiling process?
Add more boiling water as necessary to ensure the level reaches halfway up the sides of the basins.
Is this pudding a good gift idea?
Yes, the author notes they often prepare several to share with family and friends as gifts.
Can leftovers be prepared differently?
Yes, leftover slices are extra tasty when fried in butter.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of brown sugar.
How many eggs are required?
Four large beaten eggs are used in the wet mixture.
Does the recipe use plain or self-raising flour?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of plain flour.
Is this a modern or traditional recipe?
It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations.
What is the texture of the pudding?
The pudding is described as rich, moist, and complex in flavor.