How to Make a Classic English Plum Pudding
English Plum Pudding, also known as Christmas Pudding, is a traditional British dessert steeped in history. It’s rich, flavorful, and often served during Christmas time, but its appeal extends beyond the holiday season. Packed with dried fruits, suet, and aromatic spices, it’s a decadent treat that has stood the test of time. The process of making this classic dessert involves both patience and care, but the results are worth every minute. Here’s how to make a classic English Plum Pudding, a true indulgence that celebrates centuries of tradition.
Ingredients
- 250g (9 oz) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 100g (3.5 oz) chopped dried apricots (optional)
- 150g (5.5 oz) suet (beef suet or vegetarian suet)
- 125g (4.5 oz) dark brown sugar
- 125g (4.5 oz) plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice powder (or use a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) milk
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) dark beer (or use stout for a richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional, but traditional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses (optional but adds depth of flavor)
- Butter for greasing the pudding basin
- A pinch of ground almonds for dusting the basin (optional)
Equipment Needed
- A large mixing bowl
- A pudding basin (around 1.5 liters or 3 pints)
- A large saucepan or steamer
- A clean tea towel or muslin cloth
- String for tying the cloth
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Pudding Basin
Grease your pudding basin well with butter, ensuring all surfaces are covered. If you prefer, you can dust the buttered basin with a little ground almonds or flour to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of the pudding once it’s ready.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, mixed spice powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the spices and ensure the pudding has a uniform texture.
3. Combine the Fruits and Wet Ingredients
Add the dried fruit, including raisins, currants, sultanas, and apricots (if using), to the dry ingredient mixture. Stir in the suet, brown sugar, and lemon and orange zests. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Add the Liquids
Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the beaten eggs, milk, dark beer or stout, orange juice, and brandy (if using). Stir the ingredients together until you form a thick batter-like consistency. The mixture should be wet but not too runny, with a slightly sticky texture.
5. Add Treacle or Molasses (Optional)
If you’re using black treacle or molasses, add it at this stage. This rich, sticky ingredient will give your plum pudding a deeper, more complex flavor. It also contributes to the pudding’s characteristic dark color.
6. Pour the Mixture into the Pudding Basin
Once all ingredients are fully mixed, pour the mixture into your prepared pudding basin. Leave about 2-3 cm (1 inch) of space at the top, as the pudding will rise during steaming. Use a spoon to smooth the top and ensure it is evenly distributed.
7. Cover the Pudding
Cut a large square of parchment paper and place it on top of the basin. You can also use a layer of foil for additional protection. Then, secure the top with a clean tea towel or muslin cloth. Tie the cloth around the edge of the basin with string, ensuring it’s tightly sealed. This helps create a steamy environment that is key to the pudding’s moist texture.
8. Steam the Pudding
Place the covered pudding basin into a large saucepan or steamer, ensuring the water level comes halfway up the side of the basin. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and then cover the pot. Steam the pudding for around 6 hours. You may need to top up the water during steaming to ensure it doesn’t run dry. The slow steaming process is what gives the pudding its rich and moist texture, so patience is key.
9. Check for Doneness
After 6 hours, remove the pudding from the pot and check its consistency. The pudding should have a firm and slightly spongy texture. You can insert a skewer into the center of the pudding to check if it comes out clean. If not, steam for a little longer.
10. Cool and Store the Pudding
Once the pudding is cooked, let it cool completely. It’s traditional to let the pudding rest for several days before serving, as this allows the flavors to develop. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the cooled pudding in a cool, dry place. When ready to serve, re-steam it for about 2 hours to heat it through.
Serving the Classic English Plum Pudding
Classic English Plum Pudding is traditionally served with a generous splash of brandy or rum sauce, or sometimes with custard. To serve:
- Heat the pudding: Re-steam or microwave the pudding for 2 hours or until hot.
- Flambé the pudding (optional): Before serving, you can heat some brandy in a small pan, carefully pour it over the pudding, and ignite it to flambé. This adds a dramatic touch to the presentation, often performed in front of guests for a festive effect.
- Serve with accompaniments: A dollop of brandy butter, cream, or custard is the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Plum Pudding
- Suet Substitution: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable suet or make your own by finely grating chilled butter and combining it with flour to replicate the texture of suet.
- Alcohol-Free Version: For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the beer and brandy with apple juice or a strong tea.
- Storage: If you make the pudding well in advance, it can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a month, and reheated as needed. It also improves in flavor over time.
- Traditional Garnish: For an authentic touch, garnish the pudding with a sprig of holly or a slice of orange before serving.
Conclusion
Making a classic English Plum Pudding is a rewarding process that results in a deeply flavorful, moist dessert that captures the essence of British tradition. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and makes any occasion feel special, especially when paired with warm, rich accompaniments. Whether for Christmas or a special gathering, this beloved pudding never goes out of style. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of a well-made English Plum Pudding.