Christmas Plum Pudding (Christmas Plum Pudding)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

Servings

Ingredients

Breadcrumbs — 120 g (2 cups)
Suet or butter, grated or cubed — 225 g (1 cup)
Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, candied peel) — 300 g (2 cups)
Brown sugar — 200 g (1 cup)
Flour — 120 g (1 cup)
Mixed spice — 2 tsp
Eggs — 3
Milk or stout — 120 ml (1/2 cup)
Apple, grated — 1
A clean coin, wrapped, for luck (optional)

Method

Combine the breadcrumbs, suet or butter, dried fruit, sugar, flour and mixed spice in a large bowl.
Add the grated apple, eggs and milk or stout, mixing thoroughly (traditionally, the whole family takes a turn stirring and making a wish).
Tuck the wrapped coin into the mixture if using.
Spoon into a greased pudding basin, pressing down and smoothing the top.
Cover with greaseproof paper and foil, tying securely.
Steam over simmering water for 4–5 hours, checking the water level periodically.
Let cool, then store; re-steam for 1–2 hours before serving on Christmas Day, traditionally flamed with warmed brandy at the table.

Introduction: A dense, rich steamed pudding packed with dried fruit and spices, the essential centrepiece of the Victorian Christmas dinner, closely tied to the holiday’s revival during the era.

Cultural Background: Christmas plum pudding became firmly established as the essential festive dessert during the Victorian era, a period that saw many modern Christmas traditions take shape, the pudding traditionally stirred by the whole family and often containing a hidden coin for good luck.

Tips: The pudding can be made weeks in advance and stored, as it improves with time — a traditional practice. Check the steamer’s water level periodically during the long cooking to ensure it doesn’t boil dry.

Variations: Serve with brandy butter or custard, classic accompaniments. Traditionally, everyone in the household stirs the mixture and makes a wish, a cherished family ritual.

Storage: Store the cooked, cooled pudding wrapped in a cool, dark place for several weeks up to a few months.

Reheating: Re-steam for 1–2 hours before serving to warm through fully.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 380 kcal, 6 g protein, 14 g fat, 58 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Why is plum pudding associated with the Victorian Christmas revival?

A: The Victorian era saw many modern Christmas customs established and popularised, and plum pudding became firmly cemented as the essential festive dessert during this period.

Q: What was the significance of the hidden coin?

A: A clean coin was traditionally hidden in the pudding mixture, and whoever found it in their serving was said to receive good luck for the coming year.