Introduction
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a mouthwatering Christmas pudding? In this article, we will explore seven delightful Christmas pudding recipes by the one and only Nigella Lawson, a renowned culinary expert. Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and heavenly aromas of these traditional holiday desserts. So, grab your aprons and let’s dive into the world of Christmas pudding!
1. Moist and Decadent Dark Chocolate Christmas Pudding 🍫🎄
Nothing screams indulgence more than a rich, moist dark chocolate Christmas pudding. Nigella’s recipe infuses the traditional flavors of Christmas with the velvety richness of dark chocolate. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a world of pure bliss, where chocolate reigns supreme. Make this dessert the star of your festive spread and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.
Gather the Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (high-quality) | 200g |
| Butter (unsalted) | 150g |
| Cocoa powder | 50g |
| Ground almonds | 100g |
| Breadcrumbs (from white bread) | 100g |
| Golden syrup | 200g |
| Brandy | 2 tablespoons |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 200ml |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To garnish |
Directions:
1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, ground almonds, breadcrumbs, golden syrup, brandy, orange zest, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt, and water. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the bowl, stirring continuously.
4. Stir in the baking powder until fully incorporated.
5. Generously grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture into it.
6. Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and secure with kitchen twine.
7. Place the basin in a large pot filled with boiling water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the basin.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding on low heat for 6 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
9. Once steamed, remove the basin from the pot and allow the pudding to cool.
10. Once cooled, remove the parchment paper and turn the pudding onto a serving plate.
11. Just before serving, dust the pudding with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Enjoy this divine creation with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. Your taste buds will thank you!
2. Classic Spiced Fruit Christmas Pudding 🍇🎄
For those who appreciate the traditional flavors of Christmas, Nigella’s classic spiced fruit Christmas pudding is an absolute must-try. Bursting with dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of brandy, this pudding will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland. It’s the epitome of everything Christmas should taste like. Let’s get started!
Gather the Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 150g |
| Currants | 150g |
| Sultanas | 150g |
| Candied orange peel (chopped) | 100g |
| Candied lemon peel (chopped) | 100g |
| Dried figs (chopped) | 100g |
| Dried apricots (chopped) | 100g |
| Dark brown sugar | 175g |
| Ground almonds | 100g |
| Breadcrumbs (from white bread) | 100g |
| Plain flour | 100g |
| Suet (shredded) | 100g |
| Ground mixed spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Brandy | 125ml |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Butter (melted) | 150g |
| Milk | 150ml |
| Golden syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Black treacle | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To garnish |
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, dried figs, dried apricots, dark brown sugar, ground almonds, breadcrumbs, plain flour, suet, ground mixed spice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and orange zest.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, golden syrup, black treacle, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder.
3. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry fruit mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Grease a pudding basin and pour the pudding mixture into it.
5. Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and secure with kitchen twine.
6. Place the basin in a large pot filled with boiling water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the basin.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding on low heat for 6 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
8. Once steamed, remove the basin from the pot and allow the pudding to cool.
9. Once cooled, remove the parchment paper and turn the pudding onto a serving plate.
10. Just before serving, dust the pudding with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Indulge in this classic Christmas delight with a drizzle of warm brandy sauce or a generous scoop of creamy custard. It’s a recipe that will stand the test of time and become a beloved tradition in your family.
3. Exquisite Cranberry Orange Christmas Pudding 🍊🎄
If you’re looking to add a burst of fruity freshness to your Christmas pudding, Nigella’s exquisite cranberry orange Christmas pudding is the answer. This recipe combines the tangy flavors of cranberries with the zesty notes of orange, creating a harmonious symphony of taste. Let’s explore this delightful twist on the traditional pudding!
Gather the Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 150g |
| Currants | 150g |
| Dried cranberries | 100g |
| Orange zest | 2 |
| Orange juice | 2 |
| Dark brown sugar | 175g |
| Butter | 200g |
| Breadcrumbs (from white bread) | 150g |
| Plain flour | 100g |
| Ground almonds | 100g |
| Ground mixed spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Brandy | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 150ml |
| Golden syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To garnish |
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, currants, dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, dark brown sugar, butter, breadcrumbs, plain flour, ground almonds, ground mixed spice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, eggs, brandy, milk, golden syrup, salt, and baking powder.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Grease a pudding basin and pour the pudding mixture into it.
4. Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and secure with kitchen twine.
5. Place the basin in a large pot filled with boiling water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the basin.
6. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding on low heat for 6 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
7. Once steamed, remove the basin from the pot and allow the pudding to cool.
8. Once cooled, remove the parchment paper and turn the pudding onto a serving plate.
9. Just before serving, dust the pudding with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Serve this delightful cranberry orange Christmas pudding with a drizzle of warm cranberry sauce or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt. It’s a recipe that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more!
4. Luxurious Salted Caramel Christmas Pudding 🍮🎄
Looking for a modern twist on the classic Christmas pudding? Nigella has you covered with her luxurious salted caramel Christmas pudding. This indulgent treat combines the richness of caramel with a hint of sea salt, creating a dessert that’s both sophisticated and utterly delicious. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Gather the Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 150g |
| Currants | 150g |
| Sultanas | 150g |
| Butter | 200g |
| Caster sugar | 150g |
| Caramel sauce (store-bought) | 100g |