Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Christmas Pudding
DessertsMedium

Christmas Pudding

From the Blog Author

This Christmas Pudding is the dessert I look forward to making every single year, even though sometimes I think it’s going to take forever. It’s the recipe that truly signals the holidays have arrived in my kitchen, filled with the warm, spicy smells that just hug you. What I adore about this version is that it balances that deep, rich traditional flavor with a surprisingly manageable process, which is perfect for my fast dessert style. We're talking about the perfect alchemy of sweet dried fruit, a hint of citrus zest, and just the right amount of warming spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dance together beautifully. It’s dense, moist, and absolutely tastes like a labor of love, even when you know it came together efficiently. My biggest tip, and it’s a game-changer, is to make sure your dried fruit has a good long soak in a quality dark spirit the night before; it plumps them up perfectly and really deepens the flavor profile. Don't skip that step! I truly hope you bring this classic, comforting treat to your table this season. It’s so rewarding when you slice into that dark, fragrant pudding. Please try it out, and if you do, drop me a line and let me know how it tasted at your celebration.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or dates
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons brandy

Directions

1

Grease a 1.5-quart pudding basin or heatproof bowl and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.

2

In a large bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

3

Stir in the dried fruits, chopped apricots or dates, and nuts (if using).

4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, brandy, and citrus zests.

5

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pudding basin, pressing it down gently.

7

Cover the top of the basin with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing tightly with string or a rubber band.

8

Place the pudding basin in a large pot and add enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides.

9

Cover the pot with a lid and steam over low heat for 3 hours, checking occasionally to add more boiling water as needed.

10

Let the pudding cool completely, then store it in a cool, dark place; it can be made up to a month in advance.

11

To make the brandy butter, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.

12

Gradually add the brandy, mixing until the butter is smooth.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Christmas Pudding ahead of time for easier holiday prep?

Absolutely! Christmas pudding benefits greatly from being made in advance. After cooking for 3 hours, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in parchment paper followed by foil. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks, or even frozen for up to a year.

What is the best way to reheat or steam my finished Christmas Pudding?

To reheat your cooked pudding, ensure it is securely wrapped in foil and placed in a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for about 2 to 3 hours until it is thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions briefly if preferred.

What can I substitute for the mixed dried fruits in this Christmas Pudding recipe?

If you don't have mixed dried fruits, you can substitute them with an equal volume of finely chopped dried figs, prunes, or a combination of raisins and currants. Ensure you still incorporate the specified amounts of brown sugar and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice) for the classic flavor profile.