Christmas Pudding Borrowed From Henry Vii("Plum Duff")

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: British

A rich traditional Christmas pudding featuring dried fruits, candied peel, and spices, perfect for festive gatherings and family celebrations with warm, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. bread crumbs
  • 1/2 lb. flour
  • 3/4 lb. suet
  • 3/4 lb. sugar
  • 1 1/2 c. currants
  • 1 1/2 c. raisins
  • 1 1/2 c. sultanas
  • 2 oz. candied peel
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 3/4 c. English ale
  • 1/2 tsp. spice

Instructions

  1. Combine bread crumbs, flour, suet, sugar, currants, raisins, sultanas, candied peel, nutmeg, and spice in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix in the English ale until well combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin or mold.
  4. Cover the basin with a cloth or lid and steam for approximately 2 hours, or until fully cooked.
  5. Traditionally, family members take turns stirring and making wishes during the process.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, in place of sultanas. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute suet with vegetable shortening or coconut oil. To enhance the spices, add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice. Remember to soak your dried fruits in the English ale for a few hours before mixing for extra moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Christmas pudding warm, ideally with a side of custard or cream for added richness. Pairs beautifully with Holiday Odor Punch for a festive drink option. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of icing sugar for an elegant presentation. Consider serving alongside roasted nuts or spiced fruits for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Christmas pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, steam the pudding again for about 30 minutes or microwave slices on a low setting until warmed through. For a festive touch, serve with a splash of brandy or a dollop of cream after reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Pudding Borrowed From Henry Vii("Plum Duff") contains roughly 1409 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1409 kcal 70% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 112.3g 100% DV
Carbs 97.5g 35% DV
Fiber 22g 79% DV
Sugar 19.7g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 134.6mg 6% DV
Potassium 925mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 57.8mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 139.3mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 186.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 281.7mg 22% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding weeks in advance. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it by steaming before the festivities.

What can I serve with Christmas pudding?

Christmas pudding is traditionally served with brandy butter, custard, or cream. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a side of spiced fruits to balance the richness of the pudding.

How do I know when the pudding is fully cooked?

The pudding is fully cooked when it has a firm texture and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Steaming for about 2 hours generally ensures it is cooked through, but check for doneness a few minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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