The holiday season is truly incomplete without the rich and inviting aroma of a fruitcake baking in the oven. Whether it’s a Classic Christmas Pudding, the boozy indulgence of Brandy Pudding, or the refreshing twist of Mandarin-in-the-Middle Christmas Pudding, each recipe brings something special to the table. These cakes are packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and festive charm, creating the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
From the ease of a Last-Minute Christmas Pudding to the thoughtful inclusivity of a Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding, there’s a recipe for everyone. Love experimenting? The Mix & Match Mini Christmas Puddings and Vegan Christmas Pudding let you get creative while staying festive. If you’re craving something extra indulgent, the Blitz-and-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud delivers gooey, caramel goodness, while the Apple and Calvados Christmas Pudding offers a fruity, boozy twist.
These puddings aren’t just desserts—they’re a holiday tradition, each bite filled with warmth, sweetness, and the spirit of the season. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or savoring on your own, these recipes will add joy to your Christmas celebrations and leave everyone reaching for seconds.
1. Classic Christmas Pudding
The Classic Christmas Pudding is a traditional holiday favorite, rich in flavors and steeped in festive charm. Made with a mix of dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, and dark sugar, it’s brought to life with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Typically steamed for hours, this pudding becomes luxuriously moist, with the fruits releasing their sweetness and the spices deepening in flavor.
It’s traditionally doused in brandy and set alight for a dramatic presentation, served with custard, cream, or brandy butter. The preparation begins weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature, making this pudding a centerpiece of any Christmas celebration.
2. Treacle & Ginger Pudding
Treacle and Ginger Pudding is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This indulgent treat features a moist and fluffy sponge infused with the rich, deep sweetness of treacle and the zesty warmth of ginger. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of bold flavors, with the treacle adding a luscious caramel undertone and the ginger providing a subtle, spicy kick.
Typically served warm and generously drizzled with custard or a rich toffee sauce, this pudding is the perfect ending to a hearty meal, especially during the cooler months. Its golden-brown hue and inviting aroma make it an irresistible centerpiece for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations alike.
3. Mandarin-in-the-Middle Christmas Pudding
A zesty twist on the traditional, the Mandarin-in-the-Middle Christmas Pudding surprises with a whole Mandarin hidden in its center. The citrusy notes cut through the richness of the dried fruits, suet, and warm spices, creating a fresh, bright contrast.
As the pudding steams, the mandarin softens and releases its juices, infusing the surrounding batter with a tangy sweetness. The presentation is as delightful as the taste, with the mandarin adding a pop of color when the pudding is sliced. Ideal for citrus lovers, this dessert balances indulgence with a refreshing zing that makes it a standout addition to the holiday table.
4. Last-Minute Christmas Pudding
For those short on time, the Last-Minute Christmas Pudding delivers all the festive flavors without the wait. This quick version skips the long soaking and aging process, instead relying on quick-to-absorb ingredients like orange juice and mixed spice.
Dried fruits, nuts, and breadcrumbs form the base, while a splash of brandy or rum adds a festive kick. Despite the speed of preparation, this pudding is moist, rich, and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for a hassle-free dessert. Steamed or microwaved to perfection, it’s a lifesaver for busy holiday hosts craving a traditional pudding without lengthy preparation.
5. Mix & Match Mini Christmas Puddings
These adorable mini Christmas puddings are perfect for individual servings, allowing guests to mix and match their favorite flavors. Made with a versatile base batter of dried fruits, spices, and suet or butter, these puddings can be customized with additions like chocolate chips, candied ginger, or citrus zest.
Steamed in small molds, they’re quick to prepare and offer a variety of tastes to suit everyone at the table. Whether topped with cream, brandy butter, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, these mini puddings are festive, fun, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Christmas gatherings.
6. Vegan Christmas Pudding
The Vegan Christmas Pudding reimagines the classic without compromising on flavor. Using plant-based ingredients like vegan suet or coconut oil, along with almond or oat milk, this pudding is rich, moist, and just as festive as its traditional counterpart.
The dried fruits are soaked in orange juice or rum for added depth, while spices like allspice and cinnamon bring the holiday warmth. It’s steamed to perfection and served with vegan custard or whipped coconut cream. This pudding is a thoughtful addition to any holiday table, ensuring everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy a slice of Christmas tradition.
7. Blitz-and-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud
Combining the decadence of sticky toffee pudding with holiday flair, this Blitz-and-Bake Christmas Pud is a caramel lover’s dream. Dates, treacle, and brown sugar are blended into a smooth batter, creating a dense, sticky texture that melts in your mouth.
Unlike traditional puddings, this one is baked, not steamed, making it a quicker option. Drizzled with a rich toffee sauce and served warm, it’s an indulgent dessert that balances the festive spices with gooey sweetness. Perfect for those looking for a modern twist, this pudding will have everyone asking for seconds.
8. Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding
The Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding is proof that everyone can enjoy a festive treat without compromise. Made with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, it retains the moist, dense texture of the classic pudding while ensuring it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a splash of brandy, this pudding is full of traditional flavors. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy aroma, while orange zest brightens each bite. Steamed to perfection, it’s served with gluten-free custard or cream, making it a delicious and inclusive addition to any holiday feast.
9. Apple and Calvados Christmas Pudding
This Apple and Calvados Christmas Pudding adds a fruity twist with fresh apple and a splash of French apple brandy, Calvados. The apples bring a natural sweetness and moisture, while the Calvados add a sophisticated depth.
Combined with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of treacle, this pudding offers a balance of lightness and richness. The fresh apple slices create a beautiful presentation, caramelizing slightly during steaming. It’s a fresh take on tradition that pairs wonderfully with cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert spread.
10. Brandy Pudding
The Brandy Pudding is a bold and boozy option that’s all about indulgence. Generously spiked with brandy, this pudding features plump dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of citrus zest for balance. The alcohol enhances the flavors as the pudding steams, creating a rich, aromatic dessert that warms from the inside out.
Served with a brandy sauce or custard, it’s a decadent treat that feels extra special during the holidays. Perfect for brandy lovers, this pudding is a luxurious way to cap off a festive meal, offering a comforting and indulgent taste of Christmas.