Festive Treasure Christmas Pudding
This Festive Treasure Christmas Pudding is a family heirloom recipe that's been delighting my family for generations. Each year, it's the highlight of our holiday meals, offering warm and nostalgic flavors mingled with the surprise of hidden treasures within (though nowadays the coins are optional for safety). Perfectly paired with a rich brandy custard, this pudding keeps wonderfully when chilled, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for your holiday celebrations. Crafted in a pudding basin to easily manage our hot Australian Christmas, it's a nod to tradition in modern times.
12-14
Servings
348-406
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
250g (softened)
brown sugar
1 cup
mixed spice
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
golden syrup
1 tablespoon (optional)
eggs
5 (beaten)
plain flour
1 cup
self raising flour
1/2 cup
cold brewed tea
1/4-1/2 cup
overproof rum
1/2 cup
orange zest
1 (zested)
lemon zest
1 (zested)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon
soft breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
raisins
250g-310g
sultanas
250g-310g
currants
250g-310g
Instructions
1
Day Before: Combine raisins, sultanas, and currants in a large bowl. Pour the rum over the fruit and stir well to coat. Cover and let soak overnight, allowing the fruit to absorb the liquid.
2
Preparing the Mixture: The next day, combine mixed spice, cinnamon, brewed tea, and citrus zests into the fruit mixture. Set aside.
3
Creaming: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
4
Mixing Dry Ingredients: Sift together plain flour, self-raising flour, salt, and bicarbonate of soda. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, adding alternately with the soft breadcrumbs.
5
Combining: Carefully fold the fruit mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
6
Grease a large pudding basin thoroughly. Fill it with the pudding mixture, leaving space for expansion. Cover the basin with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper. Secure the lid tightly.
7
Steaming: Prepare a large saucepan or boiler. Place an inverted saucer at the base and add enough boiling water to reach halfway up the basin. Lower the pudding onto the saucer. Steam gently for 4-5 hours, topping up with boiling water as needed. Ensure steam can escape by partially covering with a lid.
8
Reheating: On Christmas Eve, set the pudding basin in a slow cooker (crockpot). Place an upturned saucer at the bottom, fill the cooker halfway with water, and set it to low. Start around 11 PM to be ready by Christmastime.
9
Serving: Unmold the pudding onto a platter. Garnish with a festive holly sprig. Serve warm with hot custard or brandy custard.
Nutrition Information
15-18g
Fat
46-53g
Carbs
5-6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Treasure Christmas Pudding?
It is a family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, featuring warm nostalgic flavors and hidden treasures.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 12 to 14 servings.
How long should the dried fruit soak?
The raisins, sultanas, and currants should be soaked in rum overnight.
What type of alcohol is used for soaking the fruit?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of overproof rum to soak the fruit mixture.
Can I make this Christmas pudding in advance?
Yes, the pudding keeps wonderfully when chilled and is an ideal make-ahead dessert.
How do I prepare the fruit mixture?
Combine the soaked fruit with mixed spice, cinnamon, cold brewed tea, and citrus zests.
What dry ingredients are required?
The dry ingredients include plain flour, self-raising flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda, and soft breadcrumbs.
How many eggs are needed for the pudding?
The recipe requires 5 beaten eggs.
What is the role of cold brewed tea in the recipe?
Cold brewed tea is added to the fruit mixture to provide moisture and depth of flavor.
How long does the pudding need to steam?
The pudding should be steamed gently for 4 to 5 hours.
Is it possible to use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A slow cooker is recommended for reheating the pudding starting on Christmas Eve.
How do I prevent the pudding from sticking to the basin?
Ensure you grease the large pudding basin thoroughly before filling it with the mixture.
What should be served with the Festive Treasure Christmas Pudding?
It is best served warm with hot custard or a rich brandy custard.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains between 348 and 406 calories.
What kind of sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of brown sugar.
What citrus zests are included in the mixture?
The recipe includes the zest of one orange and one lemon.
Which dried fruits are the main ingredients?
The main fruits are raisins, sultanas, and currants, using 250g to 310g of each.
Is golden syrup a mandatory ingredient?
No, the addition of 1 tablespoon of golden syrup is optional.
How do I ensure a light and fluffy texture?
Cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, and beat in the eggs one at a time.
How should the pudding be garnished?
The pudding is traditionally garnished with a festive holly sprig.
Is it safe to put coins in the pudding?
While traditional, the recipe notes that coins are now optional for safety reasons.
Why is a pudding basin used?
A pudding basin is used to manage the steaming process easily, especially during hot weather.
What spices give the pudding its flavor?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon each of mixed spice and cinnamon.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 250g of softened butter.
What types of flour are used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1 cup of plain flour and 1/2 cup of self-raising flour.
How do I cover the pudding basin for steaming?
Cover it with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper and secure the lid tightly.
How much water should be in the steaming pot?
The boiling water should reach halfway up the side of the pudding basin.
When should I start the reheating process in a slow cooker?
Start reheating around 11 PM on Christmas Eve to have it ready for Christmas Day.
Is this recipe suitable for a hot climate?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being manageable for a hot Australian Christmas.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5 to 6 grams of protein.