Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Thermomix Christmas pudding is a decadent and truly traditional, homemade Christmas pudding. This recipe was originally my grandmother's. I've kept the same ingredients but converted the method to utilise the Varoma for steaming. This is now a totally simple, fuss-free Thermomix Christmas pudding recipe.
After years of using my nans Christmas pudding recipe each year for our family Christmas lunch, I decided it was time for a change. Nan's Christmas pudding was always delicious but it was a definite labour of love!!
Nan's method required the pudding to be boiled for more than 3 hours in pre-soaked unbleached calico. After years of boiling the pudding in the height of summer, I was ready to try a new method. The traditional method is very unforgiving I have almost boiled the pot dry at times and there's always the fear of the water may coming off the boil and spoiling the pudding. I knew there had to be an easier way!
Using the Thermomix Varoma to steam the pudding in a basin almost feels like cheating! It is so easy!! Best of all, this method gives a lovely moist, fruity, dense pudding with no chance of the pudding sticking to the calico cloth.
So if you want a traditional Christmas pudding, without all the fuss and bother, nan and I have you covered with this Thermomix Christmas pudding recipe.
Step-By-Step Steamed Christmas Pudding
I've included the full procedure from soaking the fruit through to steaming and feeding the pudding. So if you have never made a Christmas Pudding before I would recommend watching this video first.
Mini Steamed Christmas Puddings
Making individual serve Christmas puddings is another nice idea. You can use half the mixture for a 1 litre steamed Christmas Pudding and then use the remainder to make 6 x 125ml mini puddings.
These mini Christmas Puddings are a fabulous addition to a Christmas hamper.
The mini steamed puddings will take one hour to cook in the Varoma.
I have used Alyce Alexandra Limoncello moulds as 125ml is the perfect portion size... and they are super cute!
Instructions
- Fill the mini pudding moulds to within ½ cm from the top.
- Cover with al-foil to prevent steam from entering the mould.
- Place the mini Christmas Puddings in the Varoma.
- Add 1200 litre of water to the TM Bowl.
- Place the lid on the bowl and the Varoma on top.
- Steam 60min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Remove the puddings and carefully remove the foil without getting water on the pudding.
- Feed the pudding and allow it to cool.
- Wrap as per the larger puddings.
Traditional Thermomix Christmas Pudding FAQ
Can you halve the recipe?
The recipe makes a 2 litre Christmas Pudding, however, the Varoma will only fit a one-litre pudding steamer. You can halve the recipe if you only need a pudding for 6-8 people. Halving the recipe will have no impact on any cooking times.
I make the full quantity and steam two, 1-litre puddings. We only needed one pudding for our Christmas lunch but this gave me a spare pudding to take to hubby's family later in the week.
How long should the dried fruit soak?
The dried fruit is best soaked for as long as possible. Between one month and three months seems to be the normal amount of time for soaking fruit. This allows the fruit to absorb the alcohol, soften, and become plump. However, if you happen to forget to soak your fruit and still want to make the pudding, an overnight soak is the minimum.
What if I forget about the fruit?
Have you forgotten about your fruit soaking in booze? I found fruit soaking in the pantry more than six months after Christmas! Don't worry about it at all. Give it a stir, add another 80ml of fruit, and leave it for next year's pudding. As long as the soaking fruit is covered in an airtight container and gets stirred occasionally the fruit will be fine.
How is the Pudding Cooked
I've used a one-litre pudding basin with a fixed lid to cook this pudding. Using a pudding basin ensures no water will get into the pudding and ruin the result. The basin is non-stick so it also makes removing the finished dessert super easy!
What is "Feeding a pudding"?
Feeding a pudding refers to the practice of brushing the pudding with booze The alcohol helps to preserve the pudding and adds flavour and moisture to the maturing Christmas pudding.
I like to feed this pudding with Grand Marnier. Once the pudding has cooked and cooled I brush the pudding all over with 1-2 Tablespoons of booze. Each week until Christmas I unwrap the pudding and brush with an extra Tablespoon of booze. The pudding is then rewrapped and can be stored in the pantry.
Where should I store my Christmas Pudding?
Traditionally Christmas puddings are wrapped and hung somewhere out of the way until Christmas. They are unwrapped and fed each week and don't require refrigeration. However, if you are planning to give the pudding to children and would rather not feed the pudding and children booze, feel free to wrap the Christmas pudding and store it in the fridge. The flavours will still develop and mature. My nan used to brush the kid's pudding with orange juice before she heated it on Christmas day.
How to Re-heat the Steamed Pudding
If you have been storing the pudding in the fridge take it out the day before Christmas.
On Christmas day:
- Add 1.2 litre of water to the TM Bowl.
- Place the pudding back into the steaming basin and into the Varoma.
- Steam the pudding 60min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Serve with custard and ice-cream and a dash of Grand Marnier. (Not for children)
Let’s Connect!
I share loads of great recipes on the page. Our community group page is a fabulous place to ask questions and share images of recipes you have made! It helps inspire others to cook new and interesting dishes.
If you want more Thermomix recipe ideas, please follow the ThermoKitchen FB Page.
For more Thermomix recipe inspiration LETS CONNECT on;
FACEBOOK
TWITTER INSTAGRAM PINTEREST YOUTUBE
Have you seen my other Christmas Recipes?
I love getting ready for Christmas with special treats and gifts from my kitchen. Take a look at these favourites of mine.
Thermomix Christmas Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Dariole Moulds Mini Christmas Puddings
Ingredients
- 50 g dried apricots
- 150 g dates seeds removed
- 100 g dried figs
- 700 g dried mixed fruit
- 150 g currants
- 200 g brandy
- 150 g butter
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 cup plain flour
- ½ cup SR flour
- 50 g Bourbon or Grand Marnier depending on preference
- 3 eggs *use two eggs if halving the recipe
Instructions
Soaking the Fruit
- Place apricot, dates and figs in TM Bowl. Chop 3 sec/Speed 9.50 g dried apricots, 150 g dates, 100 g dried figs
- Add mixed fruit, currants and brandy to the apricot mixture. Combine 2 min/Speed 1 (Reverse Blade)700 g dried mixed fruit, 150 g currants, 200 g brandy
- Transfer fruit to an airtight, non-reactive container. Store at room temperature overnight or until you are ready to prepare the pudding.
Preparing the Pudding
- Transfer the soaked fruit to a large mixing bowl add egg and extra bourbon (or Grand Marnier) and stir through with a wooden spoon.50 g Bourbon or Grand Marnier, 3 eggs
- Add butter, sugar and spices to a bowl and microwave until the butter has melted. Reserve150 g butter, 100 g brown sugar, 2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- Add the flours to the fruit and pour the butter over the flour. Combine by hand.1 cup plain flour, ½ cup SR flour
- Divide the mixture between two 1 litre pudding basins.
Steaming the Pudding
- Place 1500g water in the TM bowl. Stack the Varoma on the TM lid.
- Place one of the puddings in the Varoma. Cook 90 min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Add hot tap water to the 1 litre mark. Cook 60 min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Remove the first pudding and reserve.
- Add enough hot water to bring it up to the 1.5 litre mark. Place the second pudding in the Varoma. Cook 90min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Add hot tap water to the 1 litre mark. Cook 60 min/Varoma/Speed 2.
- Remove the second pudding and either refrigerate or feed with alcohol. See the instructions for feeding the pudding in the FAQ.
- Once the puddings have cooled it is important they are wrapped properly.
- Wrap the puddings in two layers of baking paper, or parchment paper and then wrap in alumiuim foil as an outer protection.
- Reheat as per instructions in NOTES.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you have enjoyed this story. Feel free to leave a comment or start a discussion. If you have made a dish from this site I would love to know what you thought!
Leaving a comment and a star rating helps others decide if they should try my recipe. Plus if you hit the social media share buttons, your friends may find a delicious new recipe or Thermomix Tip too!
If you want to be notified when a new recipe is released sign up for my monthly newsletter. The form is also in the footer!
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Cooking
j xx
Link Disclosure
From time to time I recommend kitchen products and ingredients. These are always items I use and love! When I share a link to a product you can rest assured that I have tested the item and genuinely love it! If you follow my link and purchase the item in some cases I will receive a commission for the referral.
Whilst the commission may only be $1 or so, I value your support, and I take your trust very seriously.
By clicking on my link, or selecting my name "Julie Carlyle" as the referer you reward me with a small commission that helps support me and this website.
Your support keeps me cooking!
Jan says
I have made this pudding for five years running now! It is my go to pudding. This year I made one large pudding and the rest in the individual moulds! Fabulous, thanks for sharing!!
Jan
Dianne says
This is absolutely the best pudding I’ve made and it tastes amazing, even raw . Didn’t have apricots so subbed with dry apple, ran out of currants so subbed with more sultanas. Smell was amazing after soaking for 4 weeks.
Thanks Julie my go to pudding every year
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Dianne
I am so pleased you enjoyed the recipe 🙂 It is such a good one to sub out fruits for what you have in the house already.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Happy Cooking
Julie xx
Jude Spencer says
Could this pudding be reheated in the microwave once cooked as I will need two puddings reheated at once.
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Jude
Yes you can reheat it in the microwave. Just use a low power setting. You could also wrap in and put it in a cool oven. Maybe at about 130 while you are getting lunch ready.
Merry Christmas
Julie
Enid Renshaw says
Easily thr best Christmas Pudding recipe I have used. Love it!
Natalie Jones says
Great recipe, thank you 😊
Kylie Oliver says
I made this steam Christmas pudding every year and it is divine. The whole family absolutely loves it
Dani Balzano says
Great recipe, looking forward to making it again this year! Just came back to reprint the ingredients
kathleen says
Hi, I would love to make this, but add nuts, what nuts would you recommend and how much? I am worried about changing the consistency. Thank you very much, and Merry Christmas.
Kathleen
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Kathleen
I don't usually add nuts but probably almond sliver would be best. Christmas cakes sometimes include almonds.
Happy Cooking
j
Jess says
I am so excited to try this recipe. I’ve already got the fruit soaking and really to roll.
How long would you suggest the pudding with stay fresh in the fridge before eating? Or would it be best to freeze if more than a week-ish?
Thank you!
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Jess
We will be doing a Facebook Live Cookalong for the stir up and cooking on the pudding on Sunday 2pm on the 21 October. Once the pudding is steamed we will give it a feed “baste it in booze” and then wrap it. The pudding will get a feed once a week and bee rewrapped. It just needs to be kept in a cool dark place. The flavours will continue to develop in the lead up to Christmas.
On Christmas Day you put the pudding back in the steamer and steam it to reheat.
I hope you join us on the 21st.
Happy cooking
Julie
Lynette Trotter says
Do you not put the lid on the varoma steamer as it would not fit over my pudding steamer
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Lynette
The 1 litre pudding basin from the Mix shop will fit in the varoma perfectly with the lid on. The lid will need to be in place for steaming.
Casey says
What would be the best thing to store this in for gifts? I’m thinking of wrapping it in cloth? Maybe glad wrap or foil first?
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Casey
It would be best to wrap the pudding in foil and then in cloth. It would look beautiful tied with a ribbon.
Amy says
Hi,
I have a TM Essentials V-stacker which increases the height of the Varoma to accomodate a 2L pudding tin. What cook time would you recommend for the full 2L recipe cooking at once in one 2L tin? Many thanks!!
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Amy
I haven’t tried using the V Stacker.
I don’t think it would take much longer. You would probably increase the time by 20 minutes and rotate the puddings half way through.
Please let me know what you discover. I would love to update the recipe xx
Happy Cooking
J
Janine Benness says
Would this recipe work with gluten free flour?
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Janine
I haven’t tried it with GF flour but I do think it would work.
Please let me know how you go.
Julie