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Nutrition: Per serving (12)

  • kcal269
  • fat8g
  • saturates5g
  • carbs39g
  • sugars28g
  • fibre2g
  • protein4g
  • salt0.2g
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Method

  • step 1

    Tip the sultanas, apricots, raisins and mixed peel in a bowl, and pour over the rum. Stir, cover and soak for at least 3 hrs or overnight.

  • step 2

    Butter a 1-litre pudding basin and line the base with a small circle of baking parchment. Beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl using an electric whisk, until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the flour, breadcrumbs and spices. Fold in the rehydrated fruits and peel, their soaking liquid and the apple. Spoon into the prepared basin, pressing it down firmly with the back of the spoon. Cover with a sheet of baking parchment, then a sheet of foil, and secure with kitchen string.

  • step 3

    Put an upturned plate in the base of a large pan and sit the pudding on top, then fill the pan with water until it comes halfway up the side of the basin. Alternatively, put the pudding in the top of a lidded steamer and cover. Steam for 2 hrs 30 mins, ensuring the water doesn’t run dry. Remove the pudding from the pan and leave to cool completely.

  • step 4

    Uncover the cooled pudding and wrap in a clean sheet of foil. Will keep in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks, or the freezer for up to three months. See tip, below, for reheating it on the day.

Recipe tip

To serve on Christmas Day, steam the pudding for 1 hr 30 mins. Turn it out onto a large plate and drizzle with brandy.

Twist it
Stir 100g dark chocolate chips into the batter, and use the zest of 1 clementine in place of lemon zest. Arrange a few thin slices of clementine in the base and up the side of the basin before spooning in the batter.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, Christmas 2020

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Comments, questions and tips (13)

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Overall rating

A star rating of 5 out of 5.8 ratings

Helen A 1

First attempt at Christmas Pudding and was a resounding success. I reduced the sugar to 90 grams and it was the perfect amount for us. I steamed it for 2.5 hrs 4 days before Christmas Day and then 1.5 hrs on the day itself. I wonder if I can use a slow cooker next time to steam the pot? Any…

jujamiesonrmRLFYbf

question

I have used 2 500ml pudding bowls instead of a 1litre one. Will the puddings still need steaming for the same length of time as the larger one.

gennarojg383060

Magnificent!!

declan_taft

question

What is the size the bowl - the one you cook in it.

goodfoodteam avatar
goodfoodteam

Hi, thanks for your question. This uses a 1-litre bowl/pudding basin (this will be roughly 10cm high and 17cm in diameter). We hope this helps. Best wishes, BBC Good Food Team

avrilham11508

question

|I have made the lighter classic xmas pudding using butter instead of suet, the info states that the pudding should be steamed before serving - as the pudding is frozen how long does it need to be thawed

goodfoodteam avatar
goodfoodteam

Hi, thanks for your question. Thaw it at cool room temperature for 24-48 hours before cooking. We hope this helps. Best wishes, BBC Good Food Team.

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