Figgy Pudding Recipe: Figgy pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional English dessert that’s dense, moist, and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Contrary to its name, it’s not a pudding in the American sense. It’s more like a rich fruitcake, but softer and steam-cooked instead of baked. This delightful dessert has made its way into carols and holiday traditions, especially known from the famous line in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
A Brief History of Figgy Pudding
The roots of figgy pudding date back to 16th-century England, where it started as a savory meat and vegetable dish. Over time, it evolved into a sweet, spiced dessert loaded with dried fruits and suet. The Victorians especially embraced it as a centerpiece for Christmas feasts. Back then, families would steam it for hours and serve it flambéed at the holiday table—a dramatic and delicious finale to any festive meal.
Why Figgy Pudding is a Holiday Classic
Figgy pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition. It’s warm, rich, and comforting, filled with the flavors of Christmas. Plus, it ages well, meaning you can prepare it weeks in advance and let the flavors intensify. Families often come together to stir the pudding mixture, making wishes as they go. It’s more than food; it’s a memory in the making.
Ingredients Needed for Figgy Pudding
Traditional Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll typically need to make an old-fashioned figgy pudding:
- Dried figs – The star of the show
- Raisins and currants – Add chew and sweetness
- Chopped dates or prunes – For moisture
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the pudding
- All-purpose flour – Adds structure
- Brown sugar – For rich sweetness
- Suet or unsalted butter – Adds that signature richness
- Eggs – Binds everything together
- Milk – To moisten
- Baking powder – Helps lighten the texture
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) – Essential for that holiday aroma
- Brandy or dark rum – For soaking fruits and flavor
Optional additions include chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) and citrus zest for brightness.
Substitutes and Variations
Don’t have every ingredient? No worries! You can tweak figgy pudding to your liking:
- Replace suet with butter or vegetable shortening.
- Use apple juice or orange juice instead of alcohol for a family-friendly version.
- Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- Add chocolate chips for a modern twist.
- Include grated apple or carrot for extra moisture.
These variations don’t just make the dessert more accessible—they make it your own.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather these kitchen essentials:
- Mixing bowls (at least 2)
- A large spoon or spatula
- Steaming basin or pudding mold
- Saucepan for steaming
- Cheesecloth or foil to cover the pudding
- String to tie the cover
- Grater and zester (for citrus or fresh spices)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Having everything prepped beforehand makes the whole process smoother—and more fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Figgy Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping your dried figs and soaking them along with other dried fruits in a splash of brandy or fruit juice. Let this sit for at least a few hours—or better yet, overnight—so the fruits absorb all that flavor and plump up nicely.
Meanwhile, grate your suet or soften your butter if you’re substituting. Measure out your dry ingredients and have them ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Start with the breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, sugar, and all your spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, maybe even a pinch of allspice if you like. Give them a good whisk to evenly distribute everything. This dry mix is the base that holds the pudding together and gives it that iconic dense-yet-soft texture.
Don’t rush this step. A well-blended dry mix means the spices are evenly spread, so every bite of your pudding will be infused with holiday flavor. You can also toss in a bit of citrus zest—orange and lemon work wonderfully here—to give it a fresh kick and balance the richness of the fruit.
If you’re including chopped nuts, now’s the time to add them in. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work well and give a lovely crunch that complements the soft texture of the steamed pudding.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients and Combine
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re fluffy and light in color. Add in your softened butter (or grated suet), followed by milk. Mix until everything is smooth and homogenous. Then, slowly fold in your soaked fruit mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients in batches, stirring gently with each addition. You want a thick, spoonable batter—moist but not too wet. If the mixture feels too stiff, add a splash more milk or juice.
This part is where the pudding really comes together. All the textures—crunchy nuts, plump fruit, soft breadcrumbs—merge into one delicious whole. Stir it well, and if you’re following tradition, make a wish while doing it!
Step 4: Steam the Pudding
Grease your pudding basin or mold generously with butter to prevent sticking. Then, pour in the batter and smooth out the top. Cover the top with a layer of parchment paper and then a layer of aluminum foil. Tie it tightly with kitchen string to keep steam out and batter in.
Place the pudding in a large pot with a lid. Add enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the basin. Cover and steam for about 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally to top off the water as it evaporates.
This slow-steaming process is key—it lets all the flavors meld together and gives the pudding its signature dense, moist texture. Don’t rush it. Good things take time, and this pudding is no exception.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the pudding has steamed, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly in the mold—about 10–15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. You’ll be rewarded with a glistening, deeply fragrant dessert that’s rich in color and aroma.
Now comes the fun part. For that show-stopping effect, drizzle a bit of warm brandy over the top and light it just before serving. The flames will dance beautifully over the pudding—just be sure to take the proper safety precautions!
Serve it warm, ideally with a generous pour of brandy sauce, hard sauce, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Making the Best Figgy Pudding
- Plan ahead: The longer you let the pudding sit (even for a few weeks in the fridge), the better the flavors will develop.
- Soak the fruit: Don’t skip this step—it makes the fruit soft and bursting with flavor.
- Steam patiently: Rushing the steaming process can ruin the texture. Low and slow is the name of the game.
- Use fresh spices: Grinding your spices fresh gives the pudding a punchier, more vibrant taste.
- Flavor it your way: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and liqueurs.
Mastering figgy pudding is all about love, patience, and a touch of holiday magic. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be savored, shared, and remembered.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
A beautifully steamed figgy pudding is a showstopper on its own, but the right accompaniments can elevate it from delicious to downright legendary. Traditionally, figgy pudding is served warm, often with a variety of rich and creamy toppings that balance out its dense, fruity body.
Here are some classic and creative ideas to serve alongside:
- Brandy Sauce: This creamy sauce made with butter, sugar, cream, and a splash of brandy adds a silky, boozy richness. It’s the go-to for a traditional touch.
- Hard Sauce (a.k.a. Brandy Butter): A mixture of butter, sugar, and liquor, typically brandy or rum. This melts over the hot pudding like a dream.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter, fluffier topping, lightly sweetened whipped cream can do wonders. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flair.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast between hot pudding and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. It’s a modern twist with universal appeal.
- Custard: Warm vanilla custard adds a comforting, nostalgic element that’s hard to resist.
Pairing-wise, you can enjoy figgy pudding with a glass of dessert wine, spiced cider, or even mulled wine. If you’re into coffee or tea, a robust English Breakfast or Chai complements the spices beautifully. These drinks not only balance the pudding’s sweetness but also enhance the cozy, festive atmosphere around your holiday table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Figgy pudding is a dessert that rewards patience—and it stores incredibly well, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for days or even weeks:
Storing the Pudding:
- Short Term: Once cooled completely, wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Long Term: If you want to keep it longer, wrap it well and freeze it. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions:
- Steaming: The best way to reheat figgy pudding is to steam it again for about 45 minutes to an hour. This keeps it moist and soft.
- Microwave: For quicker serving, slice the pudding into portions and heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the pudding with foil and heat for about 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid overheating or you’ll dry it out. You want it moist, rich, and bursting with flavor—not rubbery or crumbly.
Pro tip: Drizzle a little brandy or juice over the pudding before reheating to bring back some of the original moisture and give it that fresh-from-the-steamer aroma.
FAQs about Figgy Pudding Recipe
1. What is figgy pudding made of?
Figgy pudding is a traditional British dessert made from dried fruits (especially figs), breadcrumbs or flour, suet or butter, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s often steamed and served during the holiday season.
2. Do you have to use alcohol in figgy pudding?
No, alcohol is not mandatory. While many traditional recipes use brandy or rum for flavor and preservation, you can substitute with fruit juice or strong tea for a non-alcoholic version.
3. How long does it take to make figgy pudding?
On average, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to steam the pudding, plus extra time for preparation. Some people also let it age for several weeks to deepen the flavor, occasionally feeding it with alcohol.
4. Can I make figgy pudding ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, figgy pudding is best made ahead of time. You can prepare it weeks in advance and store it in a cool, dry place. Reheat by steaming before serving.
5. How do you serve figgy pudding?
Figgy pudding is typically served warm, often with a drizzle of brandy (sometimes flamed), and accompanied by custard, whipped cream, or a rich sauce like brandy butter.
6. Can I freeze figgy pudding?
Absolutely. Once cooked and cooled, figgy pudding can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat by steaming.
7. Why is it called figgy pudding?
The name comes from the prominent use of figs in the recipe. “Pudding” is the British term for dessert, especially steamed or boiled ones like this.
8. Is figgy pudding the same as Christmas pudding?
They are very similar and often used interchangeably. Both are rich, fruit-filled desserts enjoyed during the holidays, though figgy pudding specifically emphasizes figs.
9. What can I use instead of suet?
If you don’t have suet, you can substitute with grated butter, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil. Each option will slightly alter the texture but still deliver a moist pudding.
10. Is figgy pudding vegetarian or vegan?
Traditional figgy pudding uses suet and eggs, making it non-vegan. However, you can adapt it using plant-based fats, egg substitutes, and non-dairy milk to suit vegetarian or vegan diets.
Conclusion
Figgy pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a cherished piece of holiday tradition, a time-honored centerpiece that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, reviving a family recipe, or simply trying something new, it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary dinners into festive celebrations.
It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and with the step-by-step guide above, it’s totally doable—even for first-time bakers. So gather your ingredients, light up that stove, and bring a little carol-inspired magic to your holiday season.
