Nana'S Christmas Pudding And Ice Cream Sauce
Nana's Christmas Pudding offers a rich, spiced flavor with raisins and warm spices, perfect for holiday celebrations. Its moist texture pairs beautifully with a luscious ice cream sauce, making it a delightful dessert that appeals to those who enjoy traditional festive flavors and comforting, hearty treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients including bread crumbs, sugar, salt, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add moist ingredients: egg, melted Crisco, milk, molasses, and raisins. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a can or plum pudding mold.
- Steam in a water bath for 2 hours, ensuring water comes halfway up the can and maintains a simmer, but does not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like apricots or cranberries. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. Make sure to sift your dry ingredients to ensure an even mix. Don't rush the steaming process; the longer it steams, the more flavor develops, so check the water level regularly to avoid drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a generous drizzle of ice cream sauce on top for a delightful contrast. This pudding pairs beautifully with heavy whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside a warm cup of Iced Coffee Special for a festive treat. You could also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, steam or microwave slices gently to reheat, ensuring they remain moist. If you want to store for longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Christmas Pudding And Ice Cream Sauce contains roughly 636 calories, with 8g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1157mg per serving (50% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding a day or two ahead. Once steamed, let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better!
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like dried cherries, cranberries, or even chopped dates. Each will bring a unique sweetness and texture to the pudding, so feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits.
How can I tell when the pudding is done?
The pudding is done when it has risen slightly and feels firm to the touch. You can also insert a skewer or knife into the center; it should come out clean. Keep in mind that steaming times may vary depending on your equipment, so adjust as necessary.
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).