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Tiny Tim’s Plum Pudding: A Dickensian Christmas Classic


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup currants
• ½ cup chopped candied peel (citrus or mixed)
• ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
• ½ cup shredded suet or cold butter (or coconut oil for vegetarian)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp allspice
• Pinch of salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tbsp brandy, rum, or apple juice (for flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional traditions:
• Add a silver coin (clean & wrapped in wax paper) for luck!
• “Feed” the pudding weekly with a splash of brandy after cooking


Instructions

  1. Soak the fruit: In a bowl, combine raisins, currants, candied peel, nuts, and alcohol (if using). Let sit 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Grease a 1.5-quart pudding basin or heatproof bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, mix suet (or butter), flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.
  4. Stir in soaked fruit mixture.
  5. Beat in eggs, milk, brandy (if not pre-soaked), and vanilla until well combined.
  6. Spoon into the prepared basin, leaving ½ inch space at the top for expansion.
  7. Cover tightly with parchment paper and foil, secured with kitchen string.
  8. Place on a trivet in a large pot. Add boiling water halfway up the sides.
  9. Steam 6–8 hours (check water level and replenish with boiling water as needed).
  10. Carefully remove, unwrap, and cool slightly. Serve warm with:
    → Hard sauce (butter + powdered sugar + brandy)
    → Custard or whipped cream
    → A sprig of holly for holiday magic

A cherished holiday tradition—best made a week ahead so flavors deepen!

💡 No steamer? Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours, covered, in a water bath.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 30 mins , Cook Time : 7 hrs , Total Time : 8 hrs , Servings : 8 slices , Calories : 320 , Net Carbs: 40g , Fats: 16g , Protein: 6g