Olivia Carter
Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert that is typically made in advance and left to mature, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. While the traditional method of steaming the pudding can be time-consuming, there is an alternative – cooking it in a slow cooker.
The slow cooker method offers a convenient way to cook a Christmas pudding, as it eliminates the need for constant monitoring and ensures a moist and evenly cooked dessert. Whether you’re short on time or simply prefer a hassle-free approach, using a slow cooker can be a game-changer when it comes to making this festive treat.
To cook a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, you’ll need a steamed pudding basin or a heatproof bowl that fits comfortably inside the slow cooker. The slow and gentle cooking process of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and indulgent pudding that is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your Christmas pudding in the slow cooker, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Dried Fruits
Measure out 500 grams of mixed dried fruits. You can use a combination of raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, and cherries.
2. Fresh Apple and Orange Zest
Grate the zest of one apple and one orange. Make sure to use the fine side of the grater to get the zest as finely as possible.
3. Breadcrumbs
You’ll need 125 grams of fresh breadcrumbs. You can make these by blitzing stale bread in a food processor until you achieve a fine texture.
4. Flour, Sugar, and Spices
Measure out 125 grams of self-raising flour, 125 grams of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of mixed spice. Mix these dry ingredients together in a bowl.
5. Chopped Almonds
Crush a handful of almonds or use pre-chopped almonds. You’ll need around 50 grams.
6. Butter, Egg, and Treacle
Melt 125 grams of butter in a pan. In a separate bowl, beat one egg. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of black treacle.
Once all your ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next step: mixing everything together.
Mix and Steam the Pudding
Once all the ingredients are prepared and measured, it’s time to mix the Christmas pudding batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, mixed spice, and grated suet. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the treacle, milk, and brandy. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring well after each addition. Keep stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Grease a 1.2 liter pudding basin with butter or suet. Transfer the pudding batter into the greased basin, making sure to press it down firmly. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Next, cover the greased pudding basin with a double layer of pleated greaseproof paper and secure it with kitchen string or a rubber band. This will prevent any water from entering the pudding during the steaming process.
Place a trivet or an upturned heatproof saucer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the pudding basin. Carefully lower the basin into the water, ensuring it is stable and not touching the sides of the slow cooker.
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting. Leave the pudding to steam for 8 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated completely. If needed, top up the water level with hot water.
After 8 hours of steaming, carefully remove the basin from the slow cooker using oven gloves or tongs. Allow the pudding to cool completely before removing the protective paper and replacing it with a fresh piece. Optionally, you can wrap the pudding in a clean muslin cloth and store it in a cool, dark place until Christmas Day.
Once the pudding has cooled, it is ready to be enjoyed on Christmas Day. Serve the pudding with your favorite brandy sauce, custard, or whipped cream for a deliciously festive dessert.
| Ingredients: | Quantity: |
|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs | 225g |
| Self-raising flour | 225g |
| Dark brown sugar | 225g |
| Mixed spice | 2 tsp |
| Suet, grated | 225g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Black treacle | 2 tbsp |
| Milk | 150ml |
| Brandy | 2 tbsp |
Cook in the Slow Cooker
If you prefer to use a slow cooker to make your Christmas pudding, it’s a great option for convenience and ease. Follow these steps to cook your pudding in the slow cooker:
1. Prepare your pudding mixture as instructed in the recipe. Ensure all the ingredients are well mixed together.
2. Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides.
3. Spoon the pudding mixture into the greased slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
4. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting. Cooking the pudding on low heat will allow it to cook slowly and evenly.
5. Cook the pudding for the recommended time. This may vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and the recipe you are using. Check the recipe for specific cooking times.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid of the slow cooker. Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the pudding to ensure it is cooked through. If the skewer comes out clean, the pudding is done. If not, continue cooking for a little longer.
7. When the pudding is cooked, carefully lift it out of the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate.
8. Serve the Christmas pudding warm with a dollop of brandy butter, custard, or your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the Christmas pudding is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and leave it to cool for a few minutes. Then, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges of the pudding from the sides of the pudding basin.
Place a serving plate or board upside-down on top of the pudding basin and carefully flip it over. Gently tap the bottom of the basin to release the pudding onto the plate or board.
Serving Suggestions:
Traditionally, Christmas pudding is served with a warm and rich brandy sauce. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add brown sugar, double cream, and brandy. Stir until smooth and heated through. Pour the sauce over individual slices of Christmas pudding.
Additional Options:
If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, you can serve the pudding with custard or vanilla ice cream. The creamy textures complement the dense and flavorful pudding perfectly.
Make sure to garnish the serving plate with some fresh holly leaves or dust the pudding with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Now that your Christmas pudding is ready, gather your loved ones, serve generous slices, and enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of this timeless holiday dessert.
Questions and answers
What is a Christmas pudding?
A Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert that is typically served on Christmas Day in the UK and some other countries. It is a steamed or boiled pudding made with suet, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, spices, dried fruits, and sometimes alcohol.
How long does it take to cook a Christmas pudding in the slow cooker?
The cooking time for a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the pudding and the settings of the slow cooker. However, on average, it takes about 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
