Capture the timeless magic of the holidays with this traditional Figgy Pudding recipe, a festive dessert that's steeped in history and bursting with rich, spiced flavors. Made with a delightful medley of dried figs, raisins, and currants, this old-fashioned steamed pudding is sweetened with molasses and brown sugar and infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The batter is softened with a unique baking soda and boiling water fig-soaking technique that ensures a luscious, tender texture. Steamed gently to perfection and finished with a splash of brandy, this show-stopping dessert is best served warm with custard or whipped cream. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this Figgy Pudding is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the season.
Chop the dried figs into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
Pour the boiling water over the figs, stir in the baking soda, and set aside to soak for 15 minutes. This softens the figs and helps create a tender pudding.
While the figs soak, cream together the butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses. Mix until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Drain the soaked figs, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the soaking liquid, and mash the figs slightly with a fork.
Add the mashed figs, reserved soaking liquid, raisins, and currants to the batter. Mix gently to evenly distribute the fruits.
Grease a 1.2-liter (about 5-cup) pudding basin or heat-safe bowl with butter and pour in the batter, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the basin with a layer of parchment paper and aluminum foil, sealing tightly with string or a rubber band around the rim. Leave a bit of room for the pudding to expand during cooking.
Place the pudding basin in a large pot and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding over low heat for about 2 hours, checking periodically to make sure the water level stays consistent. Add more boiling water if needed.
Once the pudding is cooked through (a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean), carefully remove the basin from the pot.
Allow the pudding to cool for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
Drizzle the brandy over the warm pudding for added flavor and serve with custard, whipped cream, or hard sauce.
Serving size | 1300.4 grams (1300.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3653 |
Total Fat 114.10g | 146% |
Saturated Fat 61.00g | 305% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
Cholesterol 627mg | 209% |
Sodium 2614mg | 114% |
Total Carbohydrate 631.40g | 230% |
Dietary Fiber 43.60g | 156% |
Total Sugars 415.90g | |
Protein 43.40g | 87% |
Vitamin D 80IU | 400% |
Calcium 830mg | 64% |
Iron 23mg | 126% |
Potassium 4025mg | 86% |
Source of Calories