Traditional Irish Christmas Plum Pudding

A traditional Irish Christmas Plum Pudding is the perfect way to add a touch of old-world charm to your holiday feast. Rich, moist, and bursting with festive flavours like dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of Irish whiskey this classic dessert is a true celebration of the season. It’s a delicious centrepiece that brings warmth and tradition to any Christmas meal. Whether you’re reconnecting with your Irish roots or simply seeking a unique holiday treat, this pudding is sure to delight every guest at the table!

Serves: 1 cake          Cooking Time: 1 hour          Prep Time: 8-10 hours

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 7 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed, plus more for greasing
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2/3 cup chopped almonds
• 2/3 cup golden raisins
• 2/3 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel
• 1 small baking apple, peeled, cored, and shredded
• 1 cup dried white bread crumbs
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 1/3 cup Irish stout
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
• Fresh cream/ice cream

1. Begin by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the chilled butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, spices, almonds, dried fruit, citrus peel, shredded apple, and breadcrumbs. Mix well and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the stout, orange zest, orange juice, and whiskey until combined. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly. In keeping with Irish tradition, invite everyone in the house to take a turn stirring the mixture and making a wish. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.

3. The next day, lightly grease a 1-quart pudding bowl. Pour the batter into the bowl, smoothing the top. Cut a circle of wax paper about 1.5 times the diameter of the bowl. Grease the paper, then fold a pleat in the middle to allow the pudding to expand as it cooks. Cover the bowl with the wax paper and secure it tightly with string.

4. Place the pudding bowl into a saucepan and pour in water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the bowl. Cover the pan and steam the pudding for at least 6 hours. The longer it steams, the richer and darker it becomes. Check the water level occasionally and top up with boiling water as needed to prevent it from boiling dry.

5. To store the pudding, remove the wax paper and replace it with a fresh piece. Wrap the pudding in a clean kitchen towel and store it in a cool, dry place until ready to serve.

6. To reheat, steam the pudding for about 2 hours. For a festive finish, pour Irish whiskey over the pudding at the table. Allow the youngest member of the family to light it with a match. Once the flames have died down, serve the pudding with softly whipped cream or your favourite accompaniment.