Holiday Date Pudding
A rich, moist date pudding with nuts and a caramel-like brown sugar syrup, perfect for festive gatherings and loved by those craving warm, sweet comfort desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 13 x 9-inch pan, combine brown sugar and water and bring to a boil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, then fold in chopped dates and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the hot syrup in the pan, ensuring the pudding is added gently without disturbing the syrup.
- Spread evenly and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown. If you're out of dates, dried figs or raisins can serve as viable substitutes. To enhance the texture, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure the water is boiling before adding the batter to achieve a soft pudding. This recipe is also compatible with vegetarian recipes, making it a great option for various diets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the pudding's sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Cherry'S Sinful Salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top right before serving to add a crunchy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or cover and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Date Pudding contains roughly 374 calories, with 3g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% 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 use fresh dates instead of dried for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but ensure they are pitted and chopped finely. Fresh dates may introduce more moisture, so you might need to slightly reduce the milk to maintain the right consistency in the batter.
How can I make this pudding gluten-free?
To make this pudding gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to achieve the desired texture. This way, you can still enjoy this delicious dessert while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan with the hot syrup. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to bake it fresh just before serving.
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).