Suet Pudding

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Cuisine: British

A hearty steamed suet pudding with rich molasses and raisin flavors, perfect for traditional desserts or cozy family gatherings, suitable for those enjoying nostalgic baked treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped suet
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • little salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • flour (to make quite stiff)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Fill cans half full with the mixture.
  3. Cover the cans with tinfoil.
  4. Steam the cans for 2 to 3 hours, setting them in water.
  5. Remove from water and let cool.
  6. Slice cold and steam before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider replacing some of the suet with butter or using a vegetarian alternative like coconut oil. If you're short on buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, increase the sugar or molasses slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Suet pudding is delightful served warm, drizzled with extra molasses or a rich cream sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside savory dishes like roast meats or a vibrant Apples And Cabbage Salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover suet pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the pudding and steam it for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, covered with a damp paper towel, for quick reheating, but steaming will retain more moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Suet Pudding contains roughly 586 calories, with 10g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

586 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 4.1g 5% DV
Carbs 131.5g 48% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 67.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 926.2mg 40% DV
Potassium 1395.3mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 7.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 22.5mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 234.3mg 18% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of fat instead of suet?

Yes, you can substitute suet with butter, lard, or even a plant-based fat like coconut oil for a vegetarian option. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference.

What happens if I don’t have tinfoil to cover the cans?

If you don’t have tinfoil, you can use parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cover the cans while steaming. Just make sure it’s secure enough to keep moisture in while allowing steam to escape.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to this pudding?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for added flavor and texture. Just keep the overall volume similar to maintain consistency.

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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →