Gingerbread Delight Christmas Pudding
Celebrate the festive season with this rich and hearty Gingerbread Delight Christmas Pudding, a simple yet delightful dessert that evokes the warmth of traditional English holidays. This pudding is incredibly dense and packed with the robust flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and other warm spices, making it a perfect end to a holiday meal. Aromatically spiced and beautifully adorned with dried fruits, it's sure to please your family and friends. The recipe is designed for beginners, and you can easily steam it in a metal bowl if you don’t have a pudding mold. Pair it with a luxurious vanilla sauce or a decadent hard sauce to truly elevate your Christmas gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain dried breadcrumbs
2 cups (canister type ok, unpacked)
cherry flavored craisins
1 cup (dried sweetened cranberries)
orange flavored craisins
1 cup (dried sweetened cranberries)
unsulphured molasses
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
boiling water
1 tablespoon (none)
apple cider
1 1/2 cups (none)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
mace
1 teaspoon (none)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (none)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by generously greasing a pudding mold with butter to prevent sticking, then dust it lightly with flour.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs, cherry-flavored craisins, orange-flavored craisins, unsulphured molasses, and melted butter. Stir to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
3
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in boiling water and then stir this mixture into the breadcrumb mixture.
4
Pour the apple cider into the bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined.
5
In another bowl, sift together the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, ground cloves, and kosher salt. Gradually incorporate this dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
6
Transfer the pudding mixture into the prepared mold, filling it up but leaving some room for expansion as it steams.
7
Cover the top of the mold with heavily buttered aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly secured.
8
Place the mold on a rack inside a steamer or a large pot. Pour in boiling water until the water level reaches about 3/4 up the sides of the mold.
9
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the pudding for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. The pudding is done when it feels firm to the touch.
10
Once cooked, remove the pudding from the steamer and allow it to sit for a few minutes before carefully unmolding. Serve warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce or a dollop of hard sauce for a festive touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gingerbread Delight Christmas Pudding?
It is a rich and hearty dessert that evokes the warmth of traditional English holidays, featuring robust flavors of ginger and cinnamon.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for beginners and uses simple instructions.
What texture should I expect from this pudding?
This Christmas pudding is incredibly dense and aromatic.
What can I use if I do not have a pudding mold?
You can easily steam the pudding in a metal bowl if you do not have a specific pudding mold.
How should I prepare the mold before cooking?
Generously grease the mold with butter and then dust it lightly with flour to prevent the pudding from sticking.
What type of breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of plain dried breadcrumbs, and the canister type is perfectly acceptable.
What fruits are included in this gingerbread pudding?
The recipe uses a combination of cherry-flavored craisins and orange-flavored craisins.
What kind of molasses should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of unsulphured molasses.
How is the baking soda added to the mixture?
The baking soda should be dissolved in one tablespoon of boiling water before being stirred into the breadcrumb mixture.
What liquid is used for the base of the pudding?
One and a half cups of apple cider are used as the primary liquid ingredient.
Which spices give the pudding its gingerbread flavor?
The spice blend includes ground ginger, ground cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Should the spices be sifted?
Yes, you should sift together the ginger, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, cloves, and kosher salt before incorporating them.
How do I cover the pudding mold for steaming?
Cover the top of the mold with heavily buttered aluminum foil and ensure it is secured tightly.
How much water is needed in the steamer?
Pour boiling water into the pot until it reaches about 3/4 of the way up the sides of the mold.
How long does it take to steam the pudding?
The pudding should be steamed for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
How do I check if the pudding is finished cooking?
The pudding is done when it feels firm to the touch.
Should the pudding be served warm or cold?
It is best served warm for the most festive experience.
What are some recommended toppings for this pudding?
It pairs beautifully with a luxurious vanilla sauce or a decadent hard sauce.
How do I remove the pudding from the mold safely?
Allow the cooked pudding to sit for a few minutes before carefully unmolding it.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of craisins?
The recipe specifically calls for dried craisins; fresh cranberries may release too much moisture and change the texture.
Is kosher salt required?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, though regular table salt can be used in a smaller amount if necessary.
Do I need to pack the breadcrumbs when measuring?
No, the breadcrumbs should be measured unpacked.
What is the purpose of the boiling water in the recipe?
Boiling water is used both to dissolve the baking soda and to fill the steamer for cooking.
Is mace necessary for this recipe?
Mace adds a distinct flavor similar to nutmeg, but it is an integral part of the spice profile for this specific recipe.
Can I steam this in a large pot?
Yes, you can use a large pot with a rack inside if you do not have a dedicated steamer.
Should the pot lid be tight?
Yes, use a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam needed to cook the pudding.
Does this pudding contain any nuts?
Based on the ingredient list, this specific recipe does not contain nuts.
Why leave room for expansion in the mold?
The pudding mixture contains baking soda, which will cause it to rise slightly as it steams.
Is the butter used in the mixture melted or cold?
The 1/2 cup of butter used in the mixture should be melted.
What gives the pudding its dark color?
The combination of unsulphured molasses and spices like cinnamon and cloves provides the deep, dark color.