My Mum's Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

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🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: butter

Coconut oil is plant-based and lower in saturated fat.

mixed dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh fruit can reduce sugar content and cost.

brandy

🥗Healthier: apple juice

💰Cheaper: rum

Apple juice is non-alcoholic and lower in calories.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Prepare the fruit the night before by adding raisins, sultanas, currants, and chopped prunes into a large bowl.

Grate the zest of one lemon and juice it, then add it to the fruit mixture.

Pour in stout (or hard cider) and Irish whiskey, stirring to coat the fruit.

Cover the bowl and let it sit on the countertop overnight for at least 12 hours to hydrate the fruit.

The next day, in a stand mixer, add softened butter and dark brown sugar, whipping until pale and creamy.

Add room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, combine plain flour, mixed spice, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt, then mix together.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixer on low speed until combined.

Add fresh bread crumbs, finely grated bittersweet chocolate, ground almonds, and grated apple to the mixture, stirring to combine.

Add coffee essence and the soaked fruit mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and thick.

Transfer the mixture into a well-greased pudding basin, filling it to the top.

Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the top of the pudding basin and place it on top of the mixture.

Cover the pudding basin with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to prevent water from entering.

Create a handle with twine by tying it securely under the lip of the pudding basin.

Prepare a large pot with boiling water, placing the pudding basin inside, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.

Steam the pudding for several hours, checking the water levels occasionally to ensure it doesn't dry out.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens