Christmas Pudding

Traditional Christmas pudding is a dense steamed fruit pudding containing dried fruit, spices, dark sugar, and usually suet. Many recipes also add breadcrumbs, citrus peel, and brandy or rum.

Long steaming keeps the fruit-rich mixture moist while it sets into a dense pudding. It also allows the pudding to be made ahead and reheated before serving.

It is commonly served warm with custard, cream, or a brandy-based sauce. Some households briefly flame the pudding with alcohol immediately before serving, but that step is optional and requires care.

Many traditional recipes soak dried fruit in brandy or rum and may add more alcohol to the batter. Alcohol-free versions can replace it with tea, fruit juice, or another liquid, but the recipe and finished flavor will differ.