The Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. This classic recipe is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply to indulge in the rich flavors of winter. With its moist texture and the luxurious brandy butter sauce, this pudding stands out as a true holiday favorite that evokes cherished memories and adds a special touch to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: This pudding combines sweet fruits and warm spices, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for Christmas dinners or festive gatherings, it adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance; the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when served.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or cold, with brandy butter sauce or just dusted with icing sugar—your choice!
- Impressive Presentation: Flambéing the pudding adds a dramatic flair when presenting it to guests.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully create this traditional plum pudding, you’ll need a few essential tools. They ensure that the process is smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Pudding basin
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick spray
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Thermometer (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Pudding Basin: This tool is essential for shaping your pudding and allowing even cooking during steaming.
- Mixing Bowls: Using different sizes helps keep ingredients organized while ensuring proper mixing.
- Thermometer: It ensures you cook the pudding to the right temperature for perfect doneness.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Mixture
- 1 cup sultanas
- ½ cup chopped prunes
- ¼ cup candied citrus peel
- ¼ cup glace fruit mix
- ½ cup glace mixed cherries
- 1 apple
- 1 carrot
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp brandy
For the Pudding Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
For the Brandy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Extra brandy (for serving)
- Icing sugar (for garnish)
How to Make Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sultanas, chopped prunes, candied citrus peel, and glace fruit mix. Cut the glacé cherries in half and add them to the bowl. Peel and grate one apple and one carrot; incorporate them into the fruit mixture. Add the zest and juice of one orange along with three tablespoons of brandy. Stir everything together well. Cover and set aside for at least one hour; leaving it overnight in the fridge enhances flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Basin
Cut a small circle of parchment paper to fit inside the bottom of your pudding basin. Spray it well with non-stick spray. Place the parchment circle on the bottom, spray again, then set aside. Cut another large circle of parchment paper to cover the top.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine one cup of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of salt, and all your spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg). Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly before setting aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, combine half a cup of softened butter with one cup of brown sugar. Beat until blended; expect a crumbly mixture. Add one egg and beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in your prepared fruit mixture along with any juices using a spatula until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually; stir until smooth. Spoon this batter into your prepared basin and smooth out the top.
Step 6: Steam Your Pudding
Cover with your parchment circle and tightly seal with foil around the edges using string if needed for an airtight seal. Fill a large pot with water several inches deep. Ensure that your basin does not rest directly on the bottom; use something like a canning lid or folded foil ring if necessary. Place your pudding basin in this pot so that water comes up two-thirds around its sides.
Step 7: Cook Over Medium Heat
Cover your pot with a lid over medium heat until water reaches a gentle simmer; then lower heat slightly. Maintain this simmer for three-and-a-half to four hours while checking occasionally to ensure sufficient water remains.
Step 8: Check Doneness
Insert a thermometer through the foil into the middle of the pudding; it should read around 200°F when done. Remove from pot after cooking and let cool for five minutes but do not let it cool completely in its basin.
Step 9: Unmold Your Pudding
Carefully cut away string from around foil/ parchment top; remove these coverings gently using a spatula to loosen edges from bowl walls. Place an upside-down serving plate over it; flip both together while gently shaking so that pudding falls onto plate easily.
Step 10: Make Brandy Butter Sauce
While your pudding is steaming downwards in temperature prepare brandy butter sauce by melting half a cup of butter in saucepan over medium-high heat before whisking in granulated sugar until gritty texture forms—this is normal! Pour in half a cup heavy cream while whisking steadily until boiling occurs.
Step 11: Add Brandy
Remove from heat source just before serving time adding remaining brandy while allowing cooling; can be made ahead too! If stored chilled reheat gently before serving time—if separation occurs simply add splash cream whisking back together!
Step 12: Flambé Your Pudding
For added drama when serving place on heatproof platter! Warm some brandy gently within ladle above gas burner then ignite carefully pour flaming liquid slowly across top allowing flames to burn fully out!
Step 13: Serve & Enjoy!
Dust lightly with icing sugar if desired before serving alongside warm brandy butter sauce—enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
Serving Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce can elevate your dessert experience. This classic dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and festive spirit.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Brandy Butter Sauce: Serve the pudding warm, generously drizzled with homemade brandy butter sauce for a luxurious touch.
- Icing Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of icing sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the pudding’s visual appeal.
Accompanying Beverages
- Sweet Mulled Wine: The spiced notes of mulled wine complement the pudding’s flavors perfectly during holiday gatherings.
- Hot Tea or Coffee: A cup of your favorite hot beverage makes for a cozy pairing, balancing the richness of the pudding.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Berries: Adding fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provides a tart contrast to the sweet pudding.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can soften the dense texture of the pudding and add creaminess.
How to Perfect Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
To ensure your Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- bold Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality dried fruits and spices will enhance the flavor profile of your pudding significantly.
- bold Allow Proper Soaking Time: Letting the fruit soak in brandy and orange juice overnight helps deepen the flavors, resulting in a richer pudding.
- bold Use a Thermometer: To ensure perfect cooking, use a thermometer to check that the inside temperature reaches 200°F before removing it from heat.
- bold Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in dry ingredients; overmixing can result in a dense texture rather than a light, fluffy pudding.
- bold Steam Gently: Keep the water at a gentle simmer while steaming. Too high heat can cause uneven cooking and dryness.
- bold Cool Before Serving: Letting your pudding cool slightly before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Best Side Dishes for Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
When enjoying your delicious plum pudding, consider serving it alongside complementary side dishes that enhance its festive qualities. Here are some great options:
- Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture offsets the richness of the pudding beautifully.
- Bold Custard Sauce: Pouring warm custard over each slice adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
- Bold Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote with spices brings a fruity and aromatic element that pairs well with plum pudding.
- Bold Gingerbread Cookies: Serve alongside gingerbread cookies for added spice and crunch, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Bold Roasted Nuts: A bowl of mixed roasted nuts offers a salty contrast to the sweet dish, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Bold Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory options that balance out the sweetness of the pudding nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
Boldly skip soaking the fruits: Not allowing the fruits to soak can lead to a dry pudding. Soak them for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor and moisture.
Boldly neglecting parchment paper: Failing to use parchment paper can cause the pudding to stick. Always line your pudding basin with parchment for easy removal.
Boldly rushing the cooking process: Cooking the pudding too quickly can result in uneven texture. Maintain a gentle simmer over several hours to ensure thorough cooking.
Boldly ignoring temperature checks: Not checking the internal temperature may leave you with an undercooked pudding. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 200°F inside.
Boldly overlooking brandy measurements: Adding too much or too little brandy can disrupt the flavor balance. Measure carefully and adjust according to taste preferences.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
Bold Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm throughout.
Bold Microwave method: Slice individual portions and heat in the microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Bold Stovetop method: Steam on low heat in a pot with water for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce?
Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce is a classic British dessert made from dried fruits, spices, and served with a rich butter sauce flavored with brandy.
How long does Traditional Plum Pudding last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to one week. If frozen, it will stay good for about three months.
Can I make Traditional Plum Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a few days before serving or even freeze it well in advance. Just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for brandy in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use brandy, whiskey or rum works well as substitutes while still providing great flavor.
Final Thoughts
Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce is not just a festive favorite; it’s also versatile enough for any special occasion. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite dried fruits or spices. This recipe encourages creativity while delivering delicious results that everyone will enjoy!
Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Traditional Plum Pudding with Brandy Butter Sauce, a cherished dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to any festive gathering. This classic British pudding is rich with sweet fruits and warm spices, creating an unforgettable culinary experience perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy family dinners. Complemented by a luscious brandy butter sauce, it boasts a moist texture that deepens in flavor when prepared ahead of time. Whether flambéed for dramatic flair or simply dusted with icing sugar, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a beloved staple on your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sultanas
- ½ cup chopped prunes
- ¼ cup candied citrus peel
- ½ cup glace mixed cherries
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp brandy
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sultanas, prunes, candied peel, glace cherries, grated apple, and carrot. Add orange zest and juice along with brandy. Mix well and let soak for at least one hour or overnight.
- Prepare a pudding basin by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with non-stick spray.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until crumbly; add egg and mix until smooth. Fold in soaked fruit mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until smooth; pour into the basin.
- Steam covered for about 3.5 to 4 hours until cooked through (200°F internal temperature).
- Let cool briefly before unmolding onto a plate.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in sugar until combined, then add cream and brandy before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Soak fruits overnight for enhanced flavor. Use a thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperature. Serve warm with additional brandy for an extra touch.