FAQs
Some Christmas puddings, made with dried fruit in the traditional way, are fine to be eaten as much as two years after they were made. "Bear in mind if the pudding is alcohol-free, of course, it will last a good while with the sugar content, but it will not last as long without alcohol to preserve it," stresses Juliet.
When should Christmas pudding be made? ›
Most Christmas Pudding recipes will require starting a few weeks before Christmas, usually between four and six weeks ahead of the actual day. Christmas puddings and fruit cakes benefit from being made way in advance because it allows the flavours to intensify and the colour deepen over time.
Does Christmas pudding improve with age? ›
During the aging process, the many compounds in the pudding begin to break down, releasing new compounds, like aldehydes and esters, which are associated with sweet, fruity flavours and aromas. This chemistry has long captured attention: for example, as the focus of a research article published in The Lancet in 1903.
Why was the Christmas pudding banned during history? ›
By the mid-1600s, plum pudding was sufficiently associated with Christmas that when Oliver Cromwell came to power in 1647 he had it banned, along with Yule logs, carol-singing and nativity scenes. To Cromwell and his Puritan associates, such merry-making smacked of Druidic paganism and Roman Catholic idolatry.
Can you eat a year old pudding? ›
A month or so may be fine - but a year or two? No! Throw it away! Being a powder in a package, it may be fine in that you may not get sick, but the quality and taste in foods decline over time.
Can you overcook Christmas pudding? ›
While the pudding won't dry out if it's steamed for too long, some of the ingredients inside may be spoiled by being overcooked.
What is the shelf life of Christmas pudding? ›
Here's a general guideline: Room Temperature: It's safe to store Christmas pudding at room temperature for a few days, but it's not recommended for long-term storage. Refrigerator: In the fridge, Christmas pudding can last for up to a week while maintaining its quality.
Why doesn't Christmas pudding go mouldy? ›
Since traditional Christmas pudding is made with a variety of dried fruits and nuts along with eggs and suet (animal fat)- the high content of the liquor helps it taste better and better over time, with no risk of spoiling even two years after they are made!
Why should you stir a Christmas pudding clockwise? ›
The pudding should be stirred from east to west, in honour of the Magi (Wise Men) who came from the east to visit the baby Jesus. It's also a good excuse to enjoy a wee dram or a cup of festive mulled wine! On Christmas Day the pudding has its own ritual.
How healthy is Christmas pudding? ›
The mixed spices, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pimentos (or all spice) in a Christmas pudding are also an incredible source of aromatic antioxidants. Spices aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
To feed the pudding, poke some holes in the top of the pudding and pour in 1-2 tablespoons of brandy every week, until Christmas Day. To serve, steam the pudding again for about two hours to reheat it.
Why is Christmas pudding so high in calories? ›
Another age-old favourite, Christmas pudding itself is not overly high in fat, but it's a concentrated source of energy thanks to its heavy dried fruit load and once we add the brandy sauce, custard and/or ice cream, our favourite Christmas dessert contains up to 600-800 calories per serve.
What is the superstition about Christmas pudding? ›
Superstitions say that Christmas pudding must be prepared with 13 ingredients, which are said to represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. It is also said that the mixture should be stirred in turn from east to west, by each family member, to honour the disciples' journey.
Why put coins in Christmas pudding? ›
It is key that every member of the family gives the pudding mixture a stir and makes a wish at the same time. Traditionally, a silver sixpence was stirred in to bring whoever found the coin on Christmas Day wealth and good luck in the year to come.
What is Christmas pudding called in the USA? ›
However, “Christmas pudding” is specifically a “plum pudding” or spiced cake filled with dried fruits and generally seeped with some sort of alcohol (traditionally brandy) and often treacle (molasses). Americans not only have no Christmas Pudding, we have no “puddings” at all. We call them desserts!.
Do Christmas puddings expire? ›
Since traditional Christmas pudding is made with a variety of dried fruits and nuts along with eggs and suet (animal fat)- the high content of the liquor helps it taste better and better over time, with no risk of spoiling even two years after they are made!
How long can you keep uncooked Christmas pudding? ›
If unrefrigerated then we would suggest no longer than 3 hours. If the battter is refrigerated then up to one day is fine, though let it stand at room temperature for about 45 minutes before steaming so that the pudding batter can come up to room temperature.
Why did my Christmas pudding go mouldy? ›
The pudding should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. If the pudding is in a warm and humid environment (such as a steamy kitchen) then there is a risk that some mould will develop on the pudding. If you live in a warm or humid climate then it may be better to store the pudding in the fridge or to freeze it.
Can you keep leftover Christmas pudding? ›
If you choose not to do anything with your Christmas pudding, don't throw it away. Christmas pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months.