How to Make the Perfect Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding
It’s the time of year when the air is laced with the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. When we gather around the table with loved ones, exchanging stories and laughter as we share warm, hearty meals. Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many people.
And what would a traditional Christmas feast be without dessert? In this recipe article, I will teach you how to make a gluten-free old-fashioned Christmas pudding that will leave your taste buds singing carols of their own.
This pudding is full of rich, aromatic flavors, loaded with dried fruit that has been soaked in brandy overnight. It’s topped with a sweet and buttery sauce that will have you licking your plate clean.
But what’s even better than its flavor is that this pudding is gluten-free and dairy-free- so everyone at your table can enjoy it regardless of any dietary restrictions. So, join me in making this British classic with a modern twist that will take your holiday celebrations to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite as festive as digging into a warm and indulgent Christmas pudding, but for those with gluten intolerance or dairy allergies, the beloved traditional Christmas treat can be off-limits. Luckily, this gluten-free and dairy-free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding recipe is the solution you’ve been looking for.
Not only is it safe for those with dietary restrictions, but it’s also bursting with flavor and a perfect tribute to the traditional British Christmas pudding. With delicious ingredients such as raisins, suet and mixed spice, it’s an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe so much is because it’s incredibly versatile. You can switch up the dried fruit to suit your personal taste or add in chopped nuts for extra crunch. The flavors are complex but harmonious – a perfect combination of sweet and spicy – meaning there’s something here that will satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
Another reason to try this recipe? It’s relatively simple to make. There is some preparation required since you’ll need to steam your pudding for at least 4 hours, but the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. Once you’ve made your pudding, it’s easy to store too – simply keep it in an airtight container in a cool place until you’re ready to serve.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free Christmas pudding recipe that’s still bursting with flavor or simply want to enjoy a delicious steamed pudding without worrying about any food intolerances, this Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s a must-try this holiday season!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to whip up this delectable gluten-free old-fashioned Christmas pudding recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 150 g Gluten-Free Rice Flour
- 100 g Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tsp Mixed Spice
- 1/2 Orange Finely Chopped Zest
Dried Fruit:
- 100 g Currants
- 50 g Sultanas Raisins
- 50 gGolden Raisins
- 50 g Sour Cherries
- 50 g Diced Dried Figs
- 50 g Diced Candied Peel
Other Ingredients:
- 150g of unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup packed Brown Sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 2 tbsp White Distilled Vinegar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 Tbsp Water
Suet Substitution:
If you want to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, substitute the suet with vegetable shortening.
Cornstarch Substitution:
Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot starch or potato starch.
The Recipe How-To
First and foremost, gluten free Christmas pudding, like its traditional counterpart, is a steamed pudding with an array of ingredients, customarily soaking overnight to amalgamate thoroughly. I began by starting the soak the night before by combining 100g (1/2 cup) of [currants], 100g (1/2 cup) of [raisins], 50g (â…“ cup) of [sultanas raisins], and 1 tbsp. of [white distilled vinegar]. This mix was then kept in a dark corner overnight.
The following day, cream 100g (1/2 cup) of [butter] with 100g (½ cup) of [brown sugar] until they become fluffy. Mix in two [eggs] until the mixture becomes creamy. Sieve 75g (½ cup) of [rice flour], 25g (¼ cup) [cornstarch], a pinch of [salt], 1 tsp. mixed spice, and ½ tsp. baking soda and stir in.
Adding the Fruits
Now add the dried fruit mix that was soaked overnight along with grated zest and juice from half an *[orange]. Finally, include half a grated nutmeg and mix everything carefully.
Putting Everything Together
Grease a steamable ceramic pudding basin with any dessert sauce of your choice, i.e., butter, vegetable shortening, or dairy-free substitutes. Put jammed batter into it.
Then cover it up tightly with kitchen foil before placing them into a pressure cooker filled halfway through with warm water.
Steam it for almost four hours over medium heat.
Unmoulding and Serving
Allow pudding to cool entirely for about one hour after you turn off the heat. Once it is cool, unmould it on a big plate and pour the *[pudding sauce] over it.
Savor your delicious and healthy organic *[Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding recipe]!
Substitutions and Variations
A good chef knows how to make substitutions and variations to accommodate different dietary needs and personal preferences. Here are some ideas for adapting this Gluten Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding Recipe:
– Vegan: Swap out the butter for a vegan alternative such as coconut oil, and use egg replacer instead of eggs. You can also substitute vegetable shortening for suet.
– Dairy-free: Use margarine instead of traditional butter, and check that your dried fruit doesn’t contain any milk products.
– Paleo: Replace the rice flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use honey instead of sugar. Dried fruit such as figs, dates and apricots are great options. To complete your paleo step, eliminate cornstarch in entirety and don’t add any extras since this will deviate from the Paleolithic diet.
– Low-sugar: Reduce the sugar content by using natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia. You can also use spiced apple cider or orange juice instead of water to add sweetness.
– Fruit substitution and addition: Don’t limit yourself to just raisins and currants – mix things up with cranberries or sour cherries. You can also swap an orange in for the zest used in this recipe or use sultanas raisins which presents no issue especially if one is on diet.
By trying out these substitutions and variations, you can create a delicious gluten-free Christmas pudding that everyone will love — no matter what their dietary requirements are.
Serving and Pairing
When serving up this delightful dessert, there’s no better way to impress your guests than by presenting it in true British style. The traditional method is to serve the pudding on a large, decorative plate and pour some brandy or rum over the top before setting it alight for a dramatic touch. Allow me to recommend pairing the pudding with dairy-free custard or whipped coconut cream to compliment the various flavors going on in this pudding.
The Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee or even mulled wine, making it perfect for winter celebrations. If you’re not afraid to mix things up and add a modern twist to this classic dish, you can try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top.
One thing to note is that the pudding itself is quite rich, so it’s best served in small portions. But I assure you, it will leave your taste buds dancing with joy and asking for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Welcome to the most important section of our Gluten Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding Recipe – The Make Ahead, Storing and Reheating. Proper storage and reheating are essential steps for ensuring that your Christmas pudding tastes just as good as it did on the day you made it.
The good news is, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in a way that will ensure its freshness for weeks to come. In fact, many people prefer to make this pudding up to a month before Christmas to give ample time for its flavors to mature.
Once you’ve prepared your Christmas pudding, let it cool down completely before storing it. To store it, wrap the pudding tightly in cling film or foil and put it in an airtight container. Keep the container in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
When you’re ready to steam your pudding, remove the wrapping and reheat it using the same method as before. If you decide to reheat it in a microwave, be sure to do so in short intervals while keeping an eye on it until it’s heated through entirely – Nobody wants burned Christmas pudding!
If you’re feeling daring, try flambéing your Christmas pudding during the reheating process. Simply warm 1-2 tablespoons of brandy or any other liquor in a small saucepan, ignite it with a lighter and pour over the top of the warm pudding! Trust me; this will impress your guests and add a holiday flair.
Overall, when stored correctly, your Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding will keep its delicious taste and flavors for extended periods.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I firmly believe that a great recipe should always come with helpful tips to achieve perfect results. Below are some tips to keep in mind while making your gluten-free old-fashioned Christmas pudding:
1. Soak your dried fruits: Before starting the recipe, soak your dried fruit in juice, apple cider, or brandy overnight to add extra moisture and flavor to the pudding.
2. Use a food processor for the suet: To get the perfect consistency of suet in your recipe, use a food processor instead of grating it.
3. Add vinegar to boiling water for steaming: Adding white distilled vinegar to the boiling water before steaming the pudding makes it rise better and eliminates any aftertaste.
4. Use vegetable shortening instead of butter: Using vegetable shortening instead of butter gives the pudding a moist texture and keeps it lighter.
5. Add baking soda for a fluffier texture: For a fluffier texture, add baking soda to the recipe along with gluten-free flour.
6. Steam for longer than instructed: Steam your Christmas pudding for an additional 30-40 minutes beyond the suggested cooking time. This ensures that it is cooked thoroughly and prevents any soggy spots in the middle.
7. Cool it down completely: After steaming your pudding, let it cool down completely at room temperature before refrigerating it.
With these tips in mind, you can now create a delicious and perfectly cooked gluten-free old-fashioned Christmas pudding that is sure to impress everyone at your holiday dinner table.
FAQ
As you prepare to make this delicious Christmas pudding recipe, you may encounter some common questions or concerns. In this section, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided answers to help you navigate the process with confidence. So relax and read on!
What can I use in Christmas pudding instead of suet?
If you don’t have butter on hand for your pudding recipe, vegetable shortening can be a good substitute as it has a similar melting point. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the pudding may be slightly different. An alternative option is using lard, which has a consistency akin to vegetable shortening.
What is in Matthew Walker gluten free Christmas pudding?
The ingredients in this recipe include a significant amount of sultanas, sugar, and cider. The breadcrumbs used are gluten-free and made from a combination of rice flour, gram flour, maize starch, salt, and dextrose. Water and a blend of rice flour, potato starch flour, and maize flour are used for the gluten-free flour. Glycerine serves as a humectant and vegetable suet is used, which is made from palm oil, rice flour, and rapeseed oil. Additionally, fresh mixed peel made from orange and lemon peel is used along with a small amount of rum.
Can you buy gluten free Christmas pudding?
This article focuses on a delightful Christmas pudding recipe that is both gluten-free and serves four people.
What are the 13 ingredients in Christmas pudding?
Christmas puddings are made with a special recipe that includes 13 ingredients, symbolizing Jesus and his disciples. These ingredients usually consist of raisins, currants, suet, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, citron, lemon peel, orange peel, flour, mixed spices, eggs, milk, and brandy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding Recipe is a must-try for everyone who loves traditional British Christmas dishes but wants to avoid gluten, dairy, or other allergens. With its rich flavors and mix of dried fruits and spices, it is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart this holiday season. Whether you serve it with a dollop of vegan cream or a pudding sauce recipe of your choice, this steamed pudding will be the perfect end to any festive meal or gathering. So why not give it a try and create some new holiday memories with your loved ones? You won’t be disappointed!
Gluten Free Old Fashioned Christmas Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pudding
- 1 cup suet, ground (beef fat)
- 1 cup raisins, ground
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour (a blend with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 dash salt
- 1/2 cup sour milk (or 1/2 tablespoon white distilled vinegar with enough milk to make a 1/2 cup)
- 1 egg
Ingredients for Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- If making sour milk, mix your vinegar and milk together before you start and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Place ground suet and raisins in a large bowl. Mix with dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients. Dough will be stiff.
- Place in buttered pan. Cover tightly with wax paper or a cover. Place in a steamer for 2 hours or in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes with steam flowing in cooker with 5 pounds of pressure.
- Serve with Sweet and Sour Sauce. Recipe follows as follows:
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and butter in a medium sauce pan.
- Add liquid ingredients.
- Over medium heat, bring to a boil and cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve over warm Christmas pudding.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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