Jamaican Christmas Pudding
A rich, fruity Jamaican Christmas pudding packed with dried fruits, spices, and nuts, ideal for festive celebrations and enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth and love for bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 c. currants ⓘ
- 1 c. cherries, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. prunes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. citron or mixed peel, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 c. nuts ⓘ
- 1 lb. butter ⓘ
- 5 c. sugar ⓘ
- 6 c. grated bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 c. flour
- 3 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- rind of 2 lemons
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 dozen eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash fruits if necessary.
- Drain the dried fruits and add wine, rum, brandy, stout, and burnt sugar to a jar or bottle.
- Mix well, seal tightly, and store in a cool area for about 4 weeks to allow the flavors to develop.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, soak the dried fruits in your preferred spirits for at least four weeks prior to baking. You can substitute the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. If you don't have grated bread crumbs, use crushed stale cake or cookies. Adjust spices according to your taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier flavor. Consider trying a version with Instant Cappucino for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the flavors. It pairs wonderfully with warm spices and festive drinks like mulled wine or a spiced cider. For an extra touch, drizzle with a homemade Cordon Bleu Sauce or a simple rum sauce for added decadence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, steam the pudding in a double boiler or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. If you wish to serve warm, gently slice and warm individual portions before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jamaican Christmas Pudding contains roughly 3174 calories, with 51g protein, 623g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (650% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (271% of the Daily Value), and iron (209% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2152mg per serving (94% 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 Jamaican Christmas Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, this pudding is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors deepen with time. You can prepare the fruit mixture weeks in advance and bake it closer to your celebration. Just ensure it's properly stored to maintain moisture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the alcohol in the recipe?
If you want a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice or a mix of fruit juices instead of spirits for soaking the fruits. You can also use brewed tea or coffee for added depth of flavor without the alcohol.
How do I know when the pudding is done baking?
The pudding is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. You should also see a golden brown color on the top. Allow it to cool before inverting onto a plate.
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).