As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where the scent of spiced fruits and cherishing memories filled the air. This Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf captures that very essence, delivering a nostalgic nod to the traditional British dessert in a format that’s both approachable and elegant. Imagine a beautifully baked loaf, dense with succulent dried fruits and crunchy nuts enveloped in a moist, spiced batter—perfect for festive gatherings or quiet moments by the fire.
The beauty of this loaf lies not only in its delightful flavors but also in its practicality; it’s a make-ahead marvel, thriving in the fridge where its profile matures beautifully. Whether you’re hosting dinner or looking for a sweet holiday gift, this recipe offers the perfect excuse to bring homemade magic back into your kitchen, making it a vibrant centerpiece for any celebration. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that warms the heart and nourishes the spirit this festive season!
Why is Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe brings together essential ingredients without overcomplication, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Rich, Festive Flavor: The marriage of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices offers a taste of holiday tradition in every bite.
Versatile Serving: Whether enjoyed warm with custard or chilled with a dollop of cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Time-Saving Delight: Prepare this pudding in advance, making meal planning a breeze as it matures beautifully in the fridge.
Gifting Option: Wrapped elegantly, this loaf makes for a thoughtful homemade gift, sharing love and warmth during the holiday season.
Experience the joy of creating this festive treat and fill your home with delightful aromas that make every gathering special!
Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf Ingredients
For the Loaf
- Dried Mixed Fruit – Offers sweetness and texture; feel free to mix sultanas and currants for added flavor.
- Glacé Cherry – Brings vibrant color and sweetness; you can substitute dried cranberries if preferred.
- Bramley Apple – Provides moisture and tartness; a regular cooking apple works perfectly as an alternative.
- Good Apple Juice – Enhances moisture and flavor; unsweetened apple cider can be a delicious substitute.
- Brandy – Adds depth of flavor; replace with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.
- Cointreau – Introduces citrus notes to the pudding; additional brandy can be used if Cointreau isn’t available.
- Butter – Imparts richness and moisture; opt for margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Dark Muscovado Sugar – Brings deep, complex sweetness; light brown sugar can be used in a pinch.
- Large Eggs – Binds the mixture and adds richness; consider using an egg replacement for a vegan option.
- Self-Raising Flour – Provides structure and lift; substitute with plain flour plus baking powder for leavening.
- White Breadcrumbs – Contributes to texture and moisture retention; crushed crackers work for a gluten-free alternative.
- Golden Syrup – Adds both sweetness and moisture; honey can serve as a suitable alternative.
- Mixed Spice – Blends warm spices for depth; swap in cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer.
- Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor; feel free to omit or reduce for a milder touch.
- Salt – Elevates overall flavor; ensure to replace it with a similar quantity for best results.
- Toasted Hazelnuts – Introduces crunch and nutty flavor; try toasted walnuts or pecans if needed.
For the Topping
- Butter – For richness in the topping; use margarine to keep it dairy-free.
- Dark Muscovado Sugar – Deepens the flavor of the topping; light brown sugar is an easy substitute.
- Golden Syrup – Adds sweetness to the topping; honey or maple syrup can replace it.
- Brandy – Enriches the topping; additional nuts can also be added for extra texture.
- Nuts (Optional) – Enhances crunch; you can use your favorite toasted nuts.
- Glacé Cherries – For a lovely decorative touch; optional icing sugar can dust for a festive finish.
With this Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf set of ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a warm and delicious holiday treat that embodies the spirit of the season!
How to Make Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf
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Prepare Dried Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the dried mixed fruit, glace cherries, grated Bramley apple, zests, apple juice, brandy, and Cointreau. Microwave for 1 minute, then let it soak overnight to develop rich flavors.
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Preheat and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Generously butter and line a 2lb loaf tin with non-stick baking paper to prevent sticking.
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Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and dark muscovado sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the eggs, followed by the self-raising flour, white breadcrumbs, golden syrup, mixed spice, ground cinnamon, salt, soaked fruit mix, and toasted hazelnuts.
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Bake: Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Cover with foil, place in a roasting tin, and carefully add boiling water halfway up the sides of the loaf tin. Bake for 40 minutes.
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Lower Oven Temperature: After the initial baking time, reduce the temperature to 160°C (140°C fan) and continue baking for an additional 1½ hours. Be sure to check and replenish the boiling water as necessary to keep the loaf from drying out.
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Reheat & Serve: To reheat, bake in a medium oven for 30 minutes in its tin or microwave for 5 minutes. For the topping, heat butter, dark muscovado sugar, and golden syrup until melted. Stir in brandy, then fold in nuts and glacé cherries. Spoon this mixture over the pudding and dust with icing sugar if desired.
Optional: Serve warm with custard or chilled with whipped cream for a delightful treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf
Fridge: Store the pudding wrapped in cling film or in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. This allows the flavors to mature beautifully, enhancing your holiday treat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wrapped loaf for up to 8 weeks. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, making it a convenient make-ahead option for festive gatherings.
Reheating: When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat in a medium oven for 30 minutes or microwave for 5 minutes, then top with the delicious butter and nut mixture.
Slice Before Storing: If not consuming entire loaf at once, slice before storing to make individual servings easy. Enjoy this lovely Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf at your convenience!
Make Ahead Options
The Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf is an ideal choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dried fruit mixture up to 24 hours ahead by soaking it in apple juice, brandy, and Cointreau, allowing the flavors to deepen wonderfully. Additionally, you can bake the loaf in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and taste. To ensure quality, keep it tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the pudding in a medium oven for 30 minutes or microwave for 5 minutes, then finish with the delightful topping. Enjoy hassle-free holiday gatherings with this scrumptious make-ahead treat!
Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to this pudding loaf and tailor it to your preferences!
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Nut-Free: Leave out the nuts entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch without allergens.
Your pudding will still be rich and flavorful, showcasing the fruits magnificently without the nutty texture. -
Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and swap butter for a plant-based alternative to create a vegan version.
This adaptation ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of festive goodness, while keeping the taste beautifully intact. -
Citrus Twist: Substitute brandy and Cointreau with freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing flavor kick.
This citrus option brightens the loaf, making it a fragrant and zesty festive treat that dances on your taste buds! -
Extra Spice: Add extra ground ginger or a pinch of allspice to ramp up the warmth and complexity of flavor.
A simple tweak can elevate your pudding’s spiced profile, enveloping you in cozy holiday vibes with each bite. -
Dried Fruit Medley: Experiment with different dried fruits such as apricots or figs instead of the mixed fruit for unique flavor notes.
This variation infuses unexpected sweetness and texture, creating a delightful surprise with every slice of loaf! -
Gluten-Free: Swap self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a perfect texture.
Everyone can partake in your delicious creation, savoring the classic flavors without worrying about gluten. -
Lower Sugar: Substitute dark muscovado sugar with coconut sugar or reduce sugar content slightly for a healthier option.
You can still enjoy the delightful sweetness while making it a bit lighter, perfect for those mindful of sugar intake!
Feel inspired to mix and match these ideas as you create your very own signature Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf, allowing each bite to tell a delicious story uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf?
The rich flavors of this festive loaf create a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the perfect accompaniments.
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Custard: A warm, creamy custard adds an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the pudding’s dense texture and spices.
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Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the richness while adding a lovely contrast in both flavor and texture.
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Brandy Sauce: Drizzle this velvety, sweet sauce over your slices for a sophisticated touch that brings out the pudding’s festive notes.
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Festive Spiced Tea: Brew a pot of spiced tea to serve alongside, melding flavors that complement the traditional essence of the loaf.
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Orange Marmalade Glaze: Glaze your slices with a bit of orange marmalade for a zesty twist, brightening the flavors against the richness of the pudding.
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Chocolate Ganache: A decadent layer of dark chocolate ganache not only elevates the dessert but adds a wonderful richness that pairs delightfully with the fruity notes.
Each pairing brings its own character, making your holiday gatherings even more memorable and inviting, where every bite of the Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf sings with joy!
Tips for the Best Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf
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Soaking Time: Ensure the dried fruit mixture is soaked overnight for optimal flavor development. This step enhances the richness of your loaf.
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Monitor Water Levels: Replenish the boiling water during baking to prevent the pudding from drying out. It’s essential for achieving that moist texture.
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Cover for Even Cooking: Loosely cover the loaf with foil during baking to allow for even cooking without the risk of burning the top.
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Skewer Test: Use a skewer to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the loaf. This guarantees a perfectly baked Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf.
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Storage Tips: If you’re making this in advance, remember it matures beautifully in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 8 weeks, ensuring your festive treat is always ready!
Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruit should I use?
Absolutely! A blend of dried mixed fruits works beautifully, bringing sweetness and texture. You can substitute with equal parts sultanas and currants for a variation, or add dried apricots for an extra fruity touch.
How do I store my Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf?
Store your pudding in the fridge wrapped in cling film or in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. This will allow the flavors to deepen, making it even tastier! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in foil or a freezer bag for up to 8 weeks.
Can I freeze the pudding?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf! To freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, ensuring it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my pudding is too dry?
If you find your pudding is on the dry side, it could be due to insufficient soaking of the fruit or inadequate water during baking. To mitigate this, you can add a splash more apple juice or brandy when reheating. Additionally, consider wrapping it in foil while baking to retain moisture!
Is this pudding safe for everyone to eat?
The Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf contains nuts, gluten, and eggs, so be mindful of allergies. For a nut-free version, you can simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds. To make it vegan-friendly, use flax eggs and a plant-based butter substitute.
How do I know when my pudding is fully cooked?
Check for doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf—it should come out clean. Generally, the baking time of 1½ hours at a reduced temperature ensures it’s perfectly baked. Enjoy the delightful aroma while you wait!
Fruit & Nut Christmas Pudding Loaf: Your Festive Make-Ahead Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the dried mixed fruit, glace cherries, grated Bramley apple, zests, apple juice, brandy, and Cointreau. Microwave for 1 minute, then let it soak overnight to develop rich flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Generously butter and line a 2lb loaf tin with non-stick baking paper.
- Cream together the butter and dark muscovado sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the eggs, followed by the self-raising flour, white breadcrumbs, golden syrup, mixed spice, ground cinnamon, salt, soaked fruit mix, and toasted hazelnuts.
- Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Cover with foil, place in a roasting tin, and carefully add boiling water halfway up the sides of the loaf tin. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 160°C (140°C fan) and continue baking for an additional 1½ hours. Check and replenish boiling water as necessary.
- To reheat, bake in a medium oven for 30 minutes or microwave for 5 minutes. For the topping, heat butter, dark muscovado sugar, and golden syrup until melted. Stir in brandy, then fold in nuts and glacé cherries.
- Spoon this mixture over the pudding and dust with icing sugar if desired.