Indulgent Chocolate Christmas Pudding Recipe
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to embrace the festive spirit with delightful treats that warm the heart and satisfy the sweet tooth. While traditional Christmas pudding holds a special place in many homes, this unique twist—chocolate Christmas pudding—adds an indulgent flair that will leave everyone craving more. Rich, moist, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite on your holiday table.
A Chocolate Twist on a Classic
Traditional Christmas pudding is often packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. By incorporating rich chocolate into the mix, we create a luxurious dessert that combines the familiar festive flavors with the decadence of chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect treat to share with loved ones, this chocolate Christmas pudding is sure to impress.
Here’s a recipe card for the chocolate Christmas pudding in a table format:
| Chocolate Christmas Pudding Recipe |
|---|
| Ingredients |
| Dark chocolate (150g) |
| Unsalted butter (100g) |
| Brown sugar (150g) |
| All-purpose flour (100g) |
| Breadcrumbs (100g) |
| Cocoa powder (50g) |
| Baking powder (1 tsp) |
| Salt (1/2 tsp) |
| Large eggs (3) |
| Milk (150ml) or dairy-free alternative |
| Mixed dried fruits (100g) |
| Rum or orange juice (50ml, optional) |
| Vanilla extract (1 tsp) |
| Zest of 1 orange |
| Equipment Needed |
|---|
| Mixing bowl |
| Pudding basin or heatproof bowl |
| Steamer or large pot with lid |
| Parchment paper |
| Aluminum foil |
| Whisk and spatula |
| Instructions |
|---|
| 1. Soak dried fruits in rum or juice. |
| 2. Melt chocolate and butter together. |
| 3. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl. |
| 4. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and zest. |
| 5. Combine wet and dry mixtures, then fold in dried fruits. |
| 6. Grease pudding basin and fill with batter. |
| 7. Cover with parchment and foil; steam for 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| 8. Cool slightly before serving. |
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Drizzle with chocolate sauce. |
| Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. |
| Garnish with fresh berries. |
Enjoy your indulgent chocolate Christmas pudding!
jamaican christmas pudding recipe
As the holiday season approaches, the festive spirit fills the air, and one dish that holds a special place in Jamaican celebrations is the beloved Jamaican Christmas pudding. Rich, moist, and bursting with flavor, this traditional dessert is a centerpiece of holiday feasts and gatherings.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:
Ingredients
- 150g (5.3 oz) dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 150g (5.3 oz) brown sugar
- 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs (preferably from stale bread)
- 50g (1.75 oz) cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 150ml (5.1 fl oz) milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 100g (3.5 oz) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins and currants)
- 50ml (1.75 fl oz) rum or orange juice (optional, for soaking the fruits)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (for a touch of brightness)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Pudding basin or heatproof bowl
- Steamer or large pot with lid
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- Whisk and spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dried Fruits
If using rum, soak the mixed dried fruits in it for at least a few hours or overnight. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, soak them in orange juice. This step adds moisture and flavor to the pudding.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Melt together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, breadcrumbs, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all ingredients are well combined and aerated.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the soaked dried fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Prepare the Pudding Basin
Grease your pudding basin or heatproof bowl with butter. Spoon the chocolate pudding batter into the basin, filling it about three-quarters full to allow for rising.
Step 7: Cover and Steam
Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the top of the basin. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep steam out. Place the basin in a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Fill the pot with water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the basin. Cover and steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Unwrap and invert it onto a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate Christmas pudding is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further with a variety of toppings:
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the pudding for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with lightly whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for a creamy contrast.
- Berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a burst of flavor and color, balancing the richness of the pudding.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the warm pudding beautifully.
Conclusion
This chocolate Christmas pudding is a deliciously indulgent twist on a beloved holiday classic. With its rich flavors and moist texture, it’s sure to be a showstopper at your festive gatherings. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply looking for a new dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your holiday repertoire. So gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of the season, and treat yourself to this decadent chocolate delight. Happy holidays!
