19+ Indulgent Christmas Pudding Recipes

Christmas pudding is a timeless holiday dessert that brings warmth, tradition, and festive cheer to every table. Rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect sweet ending to a Christmas feast. Whether you prefer a classic steamed pudding or a modern twist with chocolate or citrus, there’s a recipe to suit every taste.

Making Christmas pudding is more than just cooking—it’s a joyful tradition, often prepared weeks ahead to let the flavors mature and develop. Served with a drizzle of brandy butter, cream, or custard, it becomes a comforting treat that delights family and friends alike.

The deep, complex flavors combined with the festive presentation make Christmas pudding not only delicious but also a centerpiece dessert that evokes nostalgia and holiday spirit. These recipes are simple enough to try at home yet special enough to impress everyone.

Christmas Pudding Recipes

Classic Christmas Pudding

A traditional dessert full of rich dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy. Perfect for serving with custard or cream, this pudding brings festive nostalgia and warmth to your holiday table.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)

• Brandy

Steps to Make Classic Christmas Pudding

• Mix all dry ingredients with eggs and brandy.

• Stir until fully combined.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–6 hours.

• Cool and store until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 350 calories
5g protein
15g fat
55g carbs

This idea keeps your Christmas dessert classic and timeless.

Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding

A rich and moist pudding topped with warm toffee sauce. Sweet, indulgent, and perfect for finishing a festive meal with a decadent touch.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Dates, chopped

• Toffee sauce

Steps to Make Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding

• Mix dried fruits, chopped dates, breadcrumbs, sugar, eggs, and butter.

• Pour mixture into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours until set.

• Serve warm with toffee sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 400 calories
6g protein
18g fat
55g carbs

This idea turns your Christmas dessert into a sticky, sweet delight.

Brandy-Soaked Christmas Pudding

A traditional pudding soaked in brandy for extra richness and holiday spirit. Deep flavors develop for a festive, indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Brandy

• Mixed spices

Steps to Make Brandy-Soaked Christmas Pudding

• Soak dried fruits in brandy overnight.

• Mix with remaining ingredients.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–6 hours.

• Serve with brandy butter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 360 calories
5g protein
15g fat
50g carbs

This idea adds boozy warmth and tradition to your Christmas table.

Spiced Pear Christmas Pudding

Tender pears and warm spices create a subtly sweet pudding. Fruity, aromatic, and perfect for adding variety to holiday desserts.
Ingredients:

• Diced pears

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Cinnamon and nutmeg

• Brandy

Steps to Make Spiced Pear Christmas Pudding

• Mix pears with dried fruits, spices, eggs, sugar, and breadcrumbs.

• Pour into greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with cream or custard.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 330 calories
4g protein
12g fat
48g carbs

This idea brings warm spice and fruity freshness to Christmas desserts.

Gingerbread Christmas Pudding

A festive pudding infused with gingerbread spices. Soft, flavorful, and full of holiday nostalgia, perfect for cozy celebrations.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves

• Molasses

Steps to Make Gingerbread Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients until well combined.

• Pour into greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with cream or sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 340 calories
5g protein
13g fat
50g carbs

This idea adds classic gingerbread warmth to your festive table.

White Chocolate and Berry Christmas Pudding

A modern twist with white chocolate chunks and mixed berries. Sweet, fruity, and creamy, ideal for those who love lighter holiday desserts.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• White chocolate chunks

• Mixed berries

Steps to Make White Chocolate and Berry Christmas Pudding

• Mix dried fruits, berries, breadcrumbs, sugar, eggs, butter, and white chocolate.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with cream or sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 360 calories
6g protein
15g fat
50g carbs

This idea gives your Christmas pudding a modern, fruity, and creamy twist.

Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

 

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A holiday favorite adapted for gluten-free diets without losing any flavor. Perfect for family members with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:

• Gluten-free breadcrumbs

• Dried fruits

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Spices

• Brandy

Steps to Make Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients until well combined.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Cool and serve with cream or custard.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 340 calories
5g protein
12g fat
50g carbs

This idea ensures everyone can enjoy a traditional Christmas dessert.

Vegan Christmas Pudding

A plant-based pudding using plant milk and flaxseed instead of eggs, still rich and flavorful. Perfect for vegan holiday meals.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Flaxseed (as egg substitute)

• Plant milk

• Spices

• Rum or brandy

Steps to Make Vegan Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with vegan cream or sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 320 calories
3g protein
10g fat
50g carbs

This idea creates a festive dessert everyone can enjoy, plant-based.

Chocolate and Orange Christmas Pudding

 

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A festive pudding with chocolate chunks and orange zest, combining sweet and tangy flavors for a modern holiday treat.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Dark chocolate

• Orange zest

Steps to Make Chocolate and Orange Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients, including chocolate and zest.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with cream or chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 370 calories
6g protein
16g fat
52g carbs

This idea gives your Christmas pudding a decadent chocolate-orange twist.

Caramel Christmas Pudding

Source: Pinterest

Sweet caramel swirled through a traditional pudding adds indulgence and a rich festive flavor, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Caramel sauce

• Brandy

Steps to Make Caramel Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients, adding caramel swirls.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with extra caramel sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 380 calories
5g protein
17g fat
53g carbs

This idea makes your Christmas pudding indulgent and festive.

Chocolate Christmas Pudding

Source: Pinterest

Rich, moist, and filled with cocoa and chocolate chips, this pudding is perfect for chocolate lovers during the holidays. Its decadent flavor pairs beautifully with whipped cream or chocolate sauce.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Cocoa powder

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Chocolate chips

• Brandy or rum

Steps to Make Chocolate Christmas Pudding

• Combine dry ingredients and cocoa with eggs and butter.

• Fold in chocolate chips and brandy.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Cool and serve with cream or sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 380 calories
6g protein
17g fat
52g carbs

This idea gives your Christmas dessert a rich chocolate twist.

Mini Christmas Puddings

Individual steamed puddings make serving easy and festive. Perfect for parties or gifts, they are fun, charming, and packed with holiday flavors in a single serving.
Ingredients:

• Dried fruits

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Spices

• Brandy

• Butter

Steps to Make Mini Christmas Puddings

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

• Divide mixture into small greased ramekins.

• Cover and steam for 2–3 hours.

• Cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 180 calories
3g protein
7g fat
27g carbs

This idea makes Christmas pudding fun, festive, and perfectly portioned.

Apple and Cinnamon Christmas Pudding

Tender apples mixed with dried fruits and warm cinnamon make this pudding flavorful and comforting. The subtle fruitiness adds a fresh twist to a holiday classic.
Ingredients:

• Diced apples

• Dried fruits

• Brown sugar

• Breadcrumbs

• Eggs

• Cinnamon and nutmeg

• Brandy

Steps to Make Apple and Cinnamon Christmas Pudding

• Mix apples with dried fruits, spices, eggs, and sugar.

• Add breadcrumbs and brandy.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with cream or custard.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 320 calories
4g protein
12g fat
50g carbs

This idea adds fruity warmth and holiday spice to your dessert table.

Orange and Cranberry Christmas Pudding

A zesty and tangy pudding with fresh orange zest and tart cranberries. Lightly sweetened and perfectly spiced, it brings a bright festive flavor to the holidays.
Ingredients:

• Dried cranberries

• Orange zest

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Spices

• Brandy

Steps to Make Orange and Cranberry Christmas Pudding

• Mix all ingredients including zest and cranberries.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–5 hours.

• Serve with orange sauce or cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 330 calories
5g protein
13g fat
48g carbs

This idea adds a fresh, citrusy twist to your Christmas desserts.

Rum and Raisin Christmas Pudding

A rich, boozy pudding packed with raisins soaked in dark rum. This festive dessert is perfect for adults looking for traditional holiday flavors.
Ingredients:

• Raisins

• Breadcrumbs

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Butter

• Dark rum

• Mixed spices

Steps to Make Rum and Raisin Christmas Pudding

• Soak raisins in rum overnight.

• Mix all ingredients, including soaked raisins.

• Pour into a greased pudding basin.

• Steam for 4–6 hours.

• Serve warm with brandy butter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approx. 360 calories
6g protein
14g fat
55g carbs

This idea brings a classic boozy flavor to your festive table.

FAQ

What is Christmas pudding?

Christmas pudding is a traditional holiday dessert made with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and often a splash of brandy. It’s steamed or boiled and served as a festive sweet treat.

How do I store Christmas pudding?

Once cooled, wrap the pudding in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a cool, dark place. Many puddings can be made weeks in advance to let flavors develop.

Can Christmas pudding be frozen?

Yes, Christmas puddings freeze very well. Make sure it’s fully cooled, tightly wrapped, and thawed properly before reheating.

How do I serve Christmas pudding?

Serve warm, often with brandy butter, cream, custard, or a drizzle of sauce. Some like to flambé it with brandy for a festive touch.

Can I make a gluten-free or vegan Christmas pudding?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions and plant-based milk or flaxseed instead of eggs for vegan versions.

How long should I steam Christmas pudding?

Typically, 4–6 hours for a full-sized pudding, or 2–3 hours for mini puddings. Ensure it’s cooked through and moist.

Can I add alcohol to Christmas pudding?

Yes, brandy, rum, or whiskey can be added for extra flavor. Alcohol also helps preserve the pudding for longer storage.

What are some variations of Christmas pudding?

Variations include chocolate, chocolate-orange, sticky toffee, apple-cinnamon, gingerbread, and white chocolate-berry puddings for a modern twist.

How do I make my Christmas pudding more moist?

Use plenty of dried fruits, butter, and a little alcohol or fruit juice. Cover tightly while steaming to retain moisture.