Chocolate Christmas Pudding Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Christmas
Servings
10
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
6 hours
Calories
415
Indulge in the ultimate festive treat with this Chocolate Christmas Pudding!
A decadent twist on the traditional classic, this recipe combines rich dark chocolate with plump dried fruits, warming spices, and a splash of brandy.
Perfect for impressing your guests, it’s a showstopper that adds a modern flair to your Christmas table.
Let’s get started! 🎄🍫
Ingredients
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150g raisins
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150g sultanas
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100g currants
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50g dried cranberries
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50g dried apricots (chopped)
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100g dark chocolate (finely chopped)
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100g dark brown sugar
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100g suet (or vegetarian alternative)
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100g fresh breadcrumbs
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100g plain flour
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1 tsp mixed spice
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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Zest and juice of 1 orange
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 large eggs (beaten)
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4 tbsp brandy (plus extra for flaming and soaking)
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2 tbsp milk
Directions
Prepare the fruit
Place the raisins, sultanas, currants, cranberries, and apricots in a large mixing bowl.
Add the orange juice and zest, lemon zest, and brandy. Stir well, cover, and leave to soak overnight (or at least for a few hours).
Mix the dry ingredients
Add the dark brown sugar, suet, breadcrumbs, plain flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the soaked fruit mixture.
Stir until combined.
Add the wet ingredients
Stir in the beaten eggs, milk, and finely chopped dark chocolate.
Mix thoroughly until everything is well distributed and the batter has a dropping consistency.
Grease the pudding basin
Grease a 1.2-litre (2-pint) pudding basin with butter.
Line the base with a small circle of parchment paper.
Fill the basin
Spoon the pudding mixture into the prepared basin, pressing it down lightly.
Cover the top with another circle of parchment paper, then tightly cover the basin with foil.
Steam the pudding
Place the pudding basin in a large pan.
Fill the pan with boiling water so it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the pan with a lid and steam the pudding gently for 6 hours, checking occasionally to top up the water.
Cool and store
Once it has been steamed, leave the pudding to cool fully.
Replace the foil and parchment paper with fresh ones and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 weeks.
The flavours will deepen beautifully over time.
Reheat and serve
On Christmas Day, reheat the pudding by steaming it again for 2 hours.
Turn it out onto a serving plate, douse it in a little extra brandy, and carefully light it for a dramatic presentation!
Serving Suggestion
Serve with lashings of brandy butter, custard, or cream—and enjoy the surprise of the melted chocolate bites alongside the traditional flavours.
Top Tip
For an extra luxurious touch, sprinkle in some candied orange peel or chopped nuts when adding the chocolate. 🎄🍫
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions, please post a comment below and we will get back to you asap.
More Recipes:
Servings: The recipe typically yields 8 - 10 portions.
Calories per serving: 415 calories.
Remember: Tag #whitakerschocolates with your festive pudding creations!
Festive Chocolate Xmas Pudding Serving Suggestions
Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your Festive Chocolate Christmas Pudding and make it the star of your holiday feast:
1. Brandy Butter Bliss
Serve your pudding with a generous dollop of creamy brandy butter. The smooth, boozy sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and warming spices.
2. Lashings of Custard
A classic accompaniment! Choose a vanilla-infused custard or go for chocolate custard for a double-chocolate delight.
3. Velvety Cream
Pour over some lightly whipped double cream or a drizzle of single cream for a light and luscious finish.
4. Ice Cream Indulgence
For a modern twist, pair your pudding with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream.
The contrast between warm pudding and cold ice cream is irresistible!
5. Decadent Chocolate Sauce
Drizzle over a rich chocolate sauce for chocoholics.
Add a sprinkle of edible gold dust for an extra festive touch.
6. Citrus Charm
Garnish with candied orange peel or a slice of fresh orange for a zesty burst that complements the chocolate and brandy flavours.
7. Nutty Topping
Sprinkle some crushed toasted hazelnuts or flaked almonds over the pudding for added texture and a nutty finish.
8. Festive Flair
Decorate the pudding with a sprig of holly or dust it with icing sugar to create a snowy effect before serving.
Whichever you choose, this pudding will be the perfect sweet ending to your Christmas feast! 🎄
A Short History of the Christmas Pudding
The Christmas pudding has a rich history steeped in tradition, dating back to medieval England.
Originally known as "plum pudding" (despite containing no actual plums!), it was a savoury dish made with suet, spices, and dried fruits, often bound with breadcrumbs and boiled to preserve it for winter.
By the Victorian era, it had evolved into the sweet, decadent dessert we know today, thanks in part to the influence of Queen Victoria and the growing popularity of festive feasts.
Steaming remained the cooking method of choice, creating the iconic dense and moist texture.
Symbolism also plays a role—it's said the pudding should be made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and the apostles, and many families traditionally include a hidden coin or trinket for good luck.
The practice of flaming the pudding with brandy adds a dramatic flourish to the festive table, a tradition still cherished today.
Modern versions, like the addition of chocolate, bring exciting new twists to this much-loved classic, ensuring its place as a timeless Christmas centrepiece! 🎄
Nutritional Information
Nutrient Amount per Serving Calories 415 Total Fat 15g Saturated Fat 7g Cholesterol 44mg Sodium 99mg Total Carbohydrate 71g Dietary Fibre 4g Sugars 48g Protein 6g
1 comment
Oooh love a good xmas pud!