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Figgy Pudding – A Rich, Steamed Christmas Dessert Filled

Shruthi
Figgy Pudding is a traditional British Christmas dessert made with dried figs, raisins, currants, breadcrumbs, warm spices, and citrus zest. The mixture is steamed slowly until rich, moist, and flavorful. Often prepared weeks in advance, the pudding develops deeper flavors over time. Served warm with custard, cream, or brandy sauce, it remains a timeless holiday favorite that embodies the warmth and tradition of Christmas celebrations.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine british
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dried Fruits

  • 1 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup currants
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup candied citrus peel

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup molasses or treacle
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup orange juice

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Soak the Fruits

  • Combine figs, raisins, currants, cranberries, and candied peel in a bowl.
    Add orange juice and allow the mixture to soak overnight.

Prepare the Batter

  • In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and spices.

Add Wet Ingredients

  • Whisk eggs, molasses, milk, and melted butter together.
    Add citrus zests.

Combine

  • Fold wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
    Stir in the soaked fruits until evenly distributed.

 Prepare the Pudding Basin

  • Grease a 2-quart pudding basin thoroughly.
    Pour in the mixture and cover securely with parchment paper and foil.

Steam

  • Place the basin into a large pot with water reaching halfway up the sides.
    Steam gently for approximately 4 hours, adding water as needed.

Cool

  • Remove carefully and allow to cool completely.

Serve

  • Re-steam for 1 hour before serving.
    Serve warm with custard, cream, or brandy sauce.

Notes

  • The pudding improves with age.
  • Steam gently rather than boiling vigorously.
  • Check water levels regularly.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture.
  • Dried fruits can be customized.
  • Store in a cool place after steaming.
  • Reheat by steaming before serving.
  • Traditional recipes often include suet.
Keyword British Dessert, Christmas Pudding, Figgy Pudding, holiday baking, Steamed Fruit Pudding, Traditional Christmas Recipe