Plum Pudding
Description
This traditional Plum Pudding is a dense, moist, and deeply flavorful dessert that embodies the warmth of classic baking. Unlike lighter cakes, this pudding relies on finely chopped suet for its signature tender crumb and rich mouthfeel. The batter is generously studded with raisins, currants, and chopped nuts, while warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and mace provide aromatic depth. Bright notes from fresh orange juice and finely chopped citrus rinds cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Traditionally steamed for several hours to ensure even cooking and a fudgy texture, it serves beautifully warm with a splash of custard or brandy butter. It is an ideal centerpiece for holiday dinners or special weekend treats, offering a comforting and indulgent experience that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped suet, sugar, and soft bread crumbs.
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Add the well-beaten eggs to the suet mixture and beat until thoroughly combined.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cloves, cinnamon, mace, salt, and soda.
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In another bowl, combine the raisins, currants, chopped nuts, chopped orange rind, and chopped lemon rind.
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Sprinkle half a cup of the sifted dry ingredient mixture over the fruit and nut mixture and toss to coat.
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Add the orange juice to the suet mixture, stirring well.
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Alternately add the milk and the remaining dry ingredients to the suet mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
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Fold the coated fruit and nut mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
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Grease pudding molds and fill them about half full with the batter.
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Cover the molds tightly with foil or a heatproof lid to prevent water from entering.
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Steam the puddings for 3 hours, ensuring the water level remains adequate throughout the cooking process.
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Allow the puddings to cool in the molds for 10 minutes before unmolding and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1403.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30.9g48%
- Saturated Fat 4.8g24%
- Cholesterol 187.7mg63%
- Sodium 3282.0mg137%
- Total Carbohydrate 258.4g87%
- Dietary Fiber 16.4g66%
- Sugars 112.6g
- Protein 35.6g72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Storage:** Store cooled pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat by steaming for 20-30 minutes or warming slices in the microwave.
**Substitutions:** If you cannot find suet, you may substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable shortening, though the texture will be slightly different. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and milk with a non-dairy milk alternative, and use vegetable shortening instead of suet.
**Steaming Tip:** Ensure your steamer pot has enough water to come halfway up the sides of the molds. Place a trivet or inverted bowl at the bottom of the pot to prevent the molds from sitting directly in boiling water. Check the water level every hour and add more boiling water as needed to maintain the level.
**Serving:** Serve warm with custard, vanilla ice cream, or a traditional brandy butter sauce for a rich, festive dessert experience.
