Steamed Cranberry Holiday Pudding
A festive steamed cranberry pudding featuring tart cranberries and sweet molasses, perfect for holiday gatherings and offering a rich, fruity flavor with warm spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cranberries in half.
- Rinse cranberries and raisins; drain well in colander.
- Place cranberries and raisins in a mixing bowl.
- Sift flour and baking soda over the fruit.
- Add molasses and hot water; stir batter until smooth.
- Turn the batter into a 2-quart greased and lightly sugared pudding mold.
- Cover with lid or aluminum foil and place on a trivet in a deep kettle.
- Add enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the mold.
- Steam, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool to lukewarm and turn out on a cookie tray.
- Serve with warm sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. If you don’t have light molasses, dark molasses can be used, but it will impart a richer flavor. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, increase the raisins or add a touch of brown sugar. Ensure the cranberries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the steamed cranberry pudding warm, drizzled with Brahm'S Simply Wonderful Cranberry Sauce for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a side of Green Bean-Corn Salad for a balanced holiday meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, steam the pudding again for a few minutes for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steamed Cranberry Holiday Pudding contains roughly 501 calories, with 8g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1250mg per serving (54% 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 cranberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but make sure to rinse and sort through them to remove any that are damaged. Fresh cranberries may also require a little extra sweetening, as they can be more tart than frozen ones.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don't have light molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a vegan alternative, consider agave syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture of the pudding.
How can I tell if the pudding is done steaming?
To check if the pudding is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Additionally, the pudding should feel firm to the touch. If it needs more cooking, cover and steam for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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).