Christmas pudding stands as one of the most beloved and traditional holiday desserts, bringing families together with its rich, fruity flavors and festive aroma. In this article, I will instruct you how to make Christmas pudding ( serving : 6 – 8 ) using four different cooking methods — oven, air fryer, microwave, and stovetop (pan).
1. How to Make Christmas Pudding
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- ½ cup chopped candied peel
- ½ cup chopped almonds or mixed nuts
- 1 large apple, grated
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup shredded suet or butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup brandy or dark rum
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
Instructions
Begin by greasing a 2-pint pudding basin thoroughly with butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients including the mixed fruit, nuts, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, and all the spices. Add the grated apple, citrus zest, beaten eggs, and brandy, mixing everything together until well combined. The mixture should have a soft dropping consistency; add milk if it seems too dry.
Oven Method (Traditional)
Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Cover tightly with a double layer of greased parchment paper, then aluminum foil, securing with string around the rim.
Place the basin in a large roasting pan and pour boiling water halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the entire pan with foil and bake at 325°F for 4-5 hours, checking periodically to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate completely.
Air Fryer Method
For a quicker alternative, prepare the mixture as above but use a smaller basin that fits your air fryer.
Cover the basin with parchment and foil as described. Place a trivet or small rack in the air fryer basket, then position the covered basin on top.
Add about half an inch of hot water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 2-3 hours, checking water levels every hour and adding more hot water as needed.
Microwave Method
The microwave offers the fastest cooking time, though the texture will be slightly different from traditional methods.
Prepare the mixture and place in a microwave-safe bowl, covering with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner slightly open for venting.
Cook on medium power for 15-20 minutes, then let stand for 5 minutes before checking doneness with a skewer.
Pan Method (Stovetop Steaming)
Place the covered basin in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour boiling water halfway up the sides of the basin and bring to a gentle simmer. Steam for 4-6 hours, maintaining the water level throughout cooking.
This traditional method produces excellent results and requires careful attention to prevent the pan from boiling dry.
2. Tips for Perfect Christmas Pudding
Achieving pudding perfection requires attention to several key details.
First, ensure your basin is properly greased to prevent sticking, and always leave adequate headroom for the pudding to expand during cooking. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be too wet or dry.
Temperature control proves crucial regardless of your chosen method. Gentle, consistent heat produces the best texture, so avoid rapid boiling which can make the pudding heavy. When using water-based cooking methods, check water levels regularly and top up with boiling water to maintain consistent temperature.
Testing for doneness requires inserting a skewer into the center of the pudding. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The pudding should also feel firm to the touch and have pulled slightly away from the sides of the basin.
For enhanced flavor development, I recommend making Christmas pudding several weeks before serving.
3. Variations & Substitutes
Christmas pudding adapts beautifully to dietary restrictions and personal preferences.
For a lighter version, substitute half the suet with grated butter or margarine. Vegetarian versions work excellently using vegetable suet instead of traditional beef suet.
Those avoiding alcohol can replace brandy with orange juice, apple juice, or strong black tea for moisture and flavor complexity.
Gluten-free versions substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure breadcrumbs are gluten-free certified.
Fruit variations offer endless possibilities. Try adding chopped dried apricots, figs, or dates alongside traditional fruits. Chocolate lovers can incorporate dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a modern twist. Nut alternatives include pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts based on preference and availability.
Spice combinations can be customized to taste. Some prefer more cinnamon and less nutmeg, while others enjoy adding cardamom or allspice for unique flavor profiles. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add unexpected but delightful notes.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover Christmas Pudding
Proper storage ensures your Christmas pudding remains delicious for weeks or even months.
Once completely cooled, wrap the pudding in clean parchment paper, then aluminum foil. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Well-stored Christmas pudding can last up to one year.
For enhanced flavor, feed the pudding periodically with small amounts of brandy or rum. Unwrap the pudding, prick the surface with a skewer, and drizzle with spirits before rewrapping. This process can be repeated monthly until serving.
Reheating requires gentle methods to prevent drying out. Steam the pudding for 30-45 minutes using the same method as original cooking, or microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Oven reheating works well when wrapped in foil and heated at 300°F for 20-30 minutes.
Leftover pudding makes excellent breakfast treats when sliced and pan-fried in butter until golden. It also works wonderfully crumbled over ice cream or incorporated into trifles for creative dessert presentations.
Making Christmas pudding is a wonderful way to embrace tradition and fill your home with festive aromas. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll have a rich, flavorful pudding that impresses your guests and brings warmth to your holiday table.
