The Best Christmas steamed pudding recipe is everyone’s favourite holiday dessert, prepared for many years. The recipe for Christmas pudding is very easy and uses common ingredients. This traditional Christmas pudding can be the family’s tradition or your favourite recipe. Check the recipe on how to make the best Christmas steamed pudding recipe.

Christmas Steamed Pudding is a timeless holiday dessert, rich in dried fruits and warm spices. Steamed to perfection, the ultimate festive treat brings families together. It is also known as plum pudding.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, traditional Christmas pudding symbolises warmth, joy, and togetherness. The process of making it is as special as the moment of sharing it.
Whether you follow the classic pudding recipe or try a modern twist, this dessert never disappoints. Its nostalgic charm makes it the highlight of any holiday feast!
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Origin of Christmas Steamed Pudding
Christmas Steamed Pudding dates back to medieval England as a rich, spiced porridge. As time passed, it got modified into a dense, fruit-filled dessert steamed to perfection. The Victorians popularised it as a festive tradition, enjoyed on Christmas Day.
Perfect Choice of Steamed Christmas Pudding
This Christmas steamed pudding is the perfect choice as it is:
- Rich in Tradition: It’s a classic, time-honoured dessert that brings history to your holiday table.
- Full of Flavour: The mix of spices, fruits, and sweetness makes every bite a festive treat.
- Warm & Cozy: Served hot, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly Christmas nights.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance, so you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Great for Sharing: Its hearty size makes it ideal for festive gatherings and family celebrations.
- Great Center Piece: A show-stopping centrepiece for Christmas dinner.
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Tips to Make This Christmas Pudding
Check these 5 best tips to make steamed Christmas pudding
- Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Fresh dried fruits, like raisins and currants, make the pudding extra flavorful.
- Steaming Time Matters: Be sure to steam the pudding for the right amount of time (about 4–6 hours) to get the perfect texture.
- Let it Rest: After steaming, let the pudding sit for a day or two to let the flavours develop.
- Moisture is Key: If it feels too dry, add a little extra treacle or molasses for moisture.
- Serve with a Sauce: Top with brandy butter or custard for an extra touch of holiday indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-steaming or under-cooking the pudding can affect its texture; follow the recommended steaming time closely.
- Not greasing the basin properly may cause the pudding to stick, making it hard to remove.
- Using too much or too little suet can lead to a greasy or dry pudding, so measure carefully.
- Skipping the maturing process means missing out on the deep, rich flavor that develops over time.
- Serving without sauces like brandy butter, custard, or whipped cream can leave the pudding dry and less festive.
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How To Reheat Steamed Christmas Pudding
The Christmas pudding can be steamed using 3 different methods. Check them:
Steaming Method (Best):
To reheat a steamed Christmas pudding, follow these steps:
- Fill a large pot with water: Ensure there’s enough water to steam the pudding without it touching the water directly.
- Bring water to a simmer: Heat the water on medium until it’s simmering, not boiling.
- Wrap the pudding: If the pudding is wrapped in foil, re-wrap it to keep it from drying out. If it’s in a pudding basin, you can place a lid or cover it with foil.
- Place the pudding in the pot: Carefully lower the wrapped or covered pudding into the simmering water.
- Steam for 30-40 minutes: Reheat the pudding for 30 to 40 minutes, checking the water level occasionally to ensure it doesn’t run dry. Top up with more water if necessary.
- Check the pudding: After the steaming time, check the pudding by inserting a skewer or knife. It should come out hot. If not, steam for a little longer.
Microwave Method (Faster but less moist)
- Slice the pudding: Slice the pudding into individual portions.
- Place in a microwave-safe dish: Put one portion of the pudding on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
- Cover with a damp cloth or microwave-safe cover: Cover it to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave on medium heat: Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to ensure it’s heated evenly. Repeat for additional portions.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the pudding in foil: Wrap the steamed pudding tightly in foil if it’s not already.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes: Place the wrapped pudding on a baking tray and heat for 20-30 minutes, checking after 20 minutes for warmth.
Ingredients For Christmas Pudding
- Dried Fruits: raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries, grated apple, zest of orange and lemon
- Sweeteners: brown sugar
- Dry Ingredients: breadcrumbs, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt
- Liquids: milk, brandy, melted butter
- Eggs: eggs beaten
How to Make Steamed Christmas Pudding
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: For Christmas Steaming pudding, soak the raisins, currants, dates, and cranberries in brandy for at least 1 hour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, baking soda, and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, grated apple, and zest to the dry mix.
- Add the Fruit: Stir in the soaked fruits until well combined. Stir well.
- Steam the Pudding: Transfer the batter to a greased pudding basin, cover with parchment paper and foil, and place in a large pot with boiling water. Steam for 3-4 hours, checking the water level occasionally. It should not dry.
- Remove from steamer: Remove the pudding from the steamer, and let it cool naturally. Remove the wrappings and again wrap it tightly in new parchment paper or foil. Keep it in a cool place till Christmas,
- Before Serving: Before serving again, steam it for one hour, then cut the Xmas Pudding into small portions.
- Cool and Serve: Let it rest for 15 minutes and serve Christmas Steamed Pudding with brandy sauce or custard, or ice cream.
It’s an easy dessert and the best Christmas steamed pudding prepared mostly during Xmas. Mostly prepared with simple and easily available ingredients, a very delicious traditional Christmas pudding

Substitutes That Can Be Used
- Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour.
- Use coconut milk and flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Replace brandy with orange juice for an alcohol-free alternative.
- Almond flour or oat flour may be used in place of breadcrumbs.
- Coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternatives can be used in place of butter.
- For lower sugar, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a monk fruit blend.
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How To Store The Christmas Steamed Pudding
- Cool completely: Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation.
- Wrap Tightly: Once cooled, wrap the pudding in parchment paper, then foil to seal in moisture and flavor.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the wrapped pudding in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: For up to a month, store the wrapped pudding in the fridge.
- Freeze for More Time: For up to 3 months, freeze the pudding, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What To Serve With Christmas Pudding?
Steamed Christmas pudding is rich and flavorful, so it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some classic and delicious options to serve with it:
- Brandy Butter: A classic pairing, this rich, buttery sauce with a hint of brandy perfectly complements the dense and spiced texture of the pudding.
- Custard: Warm, creamy custard is a traditional favorite that adds a velvety texture and sweetness to balance the richness of the pudding.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a smooth, airy contrast to the heaviness of the pudding, making it a simple yet delicious option.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or brandy-flavored ice cream brings a cold, creamy contrast, and it’s an indulgent treat when served alongside the warm pudding.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, such as mixed berries or stewed apples, provides a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the richness of the pudding.
F.A.Qs
Can I make Christmas pudding in advance?
Yes! It tastes better when made a few weeks ahead.
How do I prevent my pudding from drying out?
Ensure you keep it well covered while steaming and store it properly.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, substitute brandy with orange juice or apple cider.
Is Christmas pudding healthy?
While rich, it contains fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from dried fruits.
How do I make it nut-free?
Simply omit nuts or replace them with more dried fruit.
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Why does my pudding have a bitter taste?
Overcooking spices or using too much molasses can cause bitterness.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Steaming is the best method, but microwaving in small intervals works too.
Can I freeze Christmas pudding?
Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 6 months.
What to do with the leftover Steamed Pudding?
Any leftover pudding should be well wrapped and then refrigerated or frozen (well wrapped). And then reheated before serving.

Best Christmas Steamed Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Dried Fruits:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 grated apple
- 1 orange zest
- 1 lemon zest
Sweeteners:
- 1 cup brown sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Liquids:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Brandy (optional)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Eggs:
- 2 eggs beaten
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Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: To make Christmas Steaming pudding, soak the raisins, currants, dates, and cranberries in brandy for at least 1 hour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, baking soda, and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, grated apple, and zest to the dry mix.
- Add the Fruit: Stir in the soaked fruits until well combined. Stir well.
- Steam the Pudding: Transfer the batter to a greased pudding basin, cover with parchment paper and foil, and place in a large pot with boiling water. Steam for 3-4 hours, checking the water level occasionally. It should not dry.
- Remove from steamer: Remove the pudding from the steamer, and let it cool naturally. Remove the wrappings and again wrap it tightly in new parchment paper or foil. Keep it in a cool place till Christmas.
- Before Serving: Again, before serving, steam it for one hour, then cut the Christmas pudding into small portions.
- Cool and Serve: Let it rest for 15 minutes, then serve Christmas Steamed Pudding with brandy sauce, custard, or ice cream.
Notes
- Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour.
- Use coconut milk and flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Replace brandy with orange juice for an alcohol-free alternative
- Can use baking paper instead of greaseproof paper
- Try to prepare this steamed Christmas pudding in advance, because it gets more mature and yields a better taste
- Check the water level while the steaming process is on; if necessary, more water can be added.
- Any leftover pudding can be refrigerated or frozen (well wrapped). And again reheated by wrapping the baking paper or aluminium foil.

Nice recipe for steamed pudding