A Delightfully Festive Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding
The holiday season brings with it the joy of festive gatherings, family traditions, and, of course, delicious food. For those following a gluten-free diet, traditional Christmas pudding might seem off-limits. But fear not! You can create a rich, moist, and flavorful gluten-free Christmas pudding that everyone will love. This recipe captures the essence of the classic dessert while ensuring it’s suitable for those avoiding gluten.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Gluten-free baking can often feel like a challenge, but the key is to find the right combination of ingredients that maintain the texture and flavor of the original dish. In this recipe, we use a mix of gluten-free flour and other pantry staples to create a pudding that is not only gluten-free but also packed with festive flavors. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Here’s a recipe card for the gluten-free Christmas pudding in a table format:
| Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding Recipe |
|---|
| Ingredients |
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour (150g) |
| Mixed dried fruits (100g) |
| Candied peel (50g, optional) |
| Chopped nuts (50g) |
| Gluten-free breadcrumbs (100g) |
| Dark brown sugar (75g) |
| Mixed spice powder (1 tsp) |
| Baking powder (1/2 tsp) |
| Salt (1/2 tsp) |
| Large egg (1) |
| Milk (150ml) |
| Brandy or orange juice (50ml) |
| Equipment |
|---|
| Mixing bowl |
| Pudding basin or silicone mold |
| Steamer or large pot with lid |
| Parchment paper |
| Aluminum foil |
| Instructions |
|---|
| 1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. |
| 2. Add wet ingredients and mix until smooth. |
| 3. Fold in dried fruits and nuts. |
| 4. Grease the pudding basin and fill with batter. |
| 5. Cover with parchment and foil. |
| 6. Steam for about 1.5 hours. |
| 7. Cool and unwrap. |
| 8. Decorate with marzipan or icing. |
| 9. Serve warm with custard or cream. |
| Serving Suggestions |
|---|
| Garnish with fresh berries or holly leaves. |
| Perfect for sharing during festive gatherings! |
Enjoy your delicious gluten-free Christmas pudding!
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 150g (5.3 oz) gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 100g (3.5 oz) mixed dried fruits (like raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
- 50g (1.75 oz) candied peel (optional)
- 50g (1.75 oz) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free bread for this)
- 75g (2.6 oz) dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp mixed spice powder (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 150ml (5.1 fl oz) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 50ml (1.75 fl oz) brandy or orange juice (for a non-alcoholic version)
For the Topping:
- Marzipan or gluten-free icing (for decoration)
- Edible glitter or gold dust (optional)
- Fresh berries or holly leaves (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Pudding basin or silicone mold
- Steamer or large pot with a lid
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Chop the dried fruits and nuts if they aren’t already chopped, ensuring they’re ready to mix into the batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, dark brown sugar, mixed spice powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the egg, milk, and brandy (or orange juice). Mix everything together until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until smooth.
Step 4: Fold in the Dried Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, candied peel, and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Pudding Basin
Grease your pudding basin or silicone mold with a bit of butter or oil. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, filling it about three-quarters full to allow for rising.
Step 6: Cover for Steaming
Cut out squares of parchment paper and aluminum foil that are large enough to cover the tops of the pudding basin. Place the parchment on top first, then cover it with the foil. Secure it tightly with string or a rubber band to prevent any steam from entering.
Step 7: Steam the Puddings
mini christmas pudding recipe
As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the scent of spices, warmth, and joy. One of the classic desserts that graces many festive tables is the traditional Christmas pudding. But if you’re looking for a fun twist, mini Christmas puddings are the perfect solution!
Place the pudding 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 with a lid and steam for about 1.5 hours. Check the water level periodically and add more if needed.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Once cooked, carefully remove the basin from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Unwrap the foil and parchment, allowing the pudding to breathe. You can serve it warm or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Step 9: Decorate
When you’re ready to serve, roll out your marzipan or icing and cut it into circles to fit on top of the pudding. Dust with edible glitter for a festive touch, and garnish with fresh berries or holly leaves for an extra pop of holiday cheer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gluten-free Christmas pudding warm with a generous drizzle of custard or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for those looking for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe is a wonderful way to include everyone in your holiday celebrations without compromising on flavor or tradition. The rich blend of dried fruits, spices, and nuts creates a delightful treat that’s both festive and satisfying. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join in the preparation, and make this holiday season one to remember with this deliciously festive dessert! Happy baking and happy holidays!
