Christmas Suet Pudding
Festive and aromatic, Christmas Suet Pudding combines rich dried fruits, spices, and nuts for a traditional holiday dessert that delights family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mace ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brandy ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 5 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 pound suet, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 pound currants
- 1/4 pound citron (candied) ⓘ
- 1/4 pound orange peel (candied) ⓘ
- 1/8 pound lemon peel (candied) ⓘ
- 1/4 pound pineapple (candied)
- 1 cup chopped blanched almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, and cloves.
- Mix together the brandy, white wine, and the egg whites (set aside).
- Beat the brown sugar with the egg yolks and add the chopped suet.
- Add the bread crumbs to the egg mixture and combine well.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients, along with the candied fruits and chopped almonds, to the moist mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
- Place the mixture in a greased bag or container and steam for 3.5 hours.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your suet is finely chopped for even distribution in the pudding. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the suet with a plant-based fat, like coconut oil. You can also use a mix of dried fruits if currants or candied fruits are unavailable. Adjust spices to your taste; if nutmeg is too strong, consider reducing the amount.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a drizzle of brandy sauce or a scoop of cream for a festive touch. This pudding pairs beautifully with Elegant Stuffed Onions as part of a holiday spread. For an added touch, garnish with candied fruits or toasted almonds to enhance its festive appearance.
Storage & Reheating
After steaming, allow the pudding to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks. To reheat, steam for about 1 hour, or microwave slices individually, ensuring they are heated through but not dried out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Suet Pudding contains roughly 565 calories, with 8g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1698mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
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 ahead of time?
Yes, this pudding can be prepared well in advance. After cooking, let it cool, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. It retains its flavor and texture beautifully for up to 8 weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for the holidays.
What can I use instead of suet?
If you're looking for a substitute for suet, consider using vegetable shortening or coconut oil as a vegetarian alternative. Alternatively, you can use butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure whatever substitute you choose is finely chopped or well-mixed for even distribution.
How can I enhance the flavor of the pudding?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the mixture. Additionally, you can include a tablespoon of molasses for a deeper sweetness or a hint of vanilla extract. Experimenting with spices can also elevate the overall taste.
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).