Olivia Carter
If you’re looking to make a delicious plum pudding without the hassle of using the oven, a slow cooker is the perfect alternative. This traditional holiday dessert is packed with rich flavors and will leave your guests begging for more.
Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a dense and moist dessert filled with dried fruits, spices, and a touch of alcohol. It’s often served with a creamy sauce or custard, making it a truly decadent treat.
Using a slow cooker for your plum pudding is a convenient way to cook this festive dessert while freeing up space in the oven for other dishes. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a pudding that is moist and full of depth.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking a plum pudding in a slow cooker. From preparing the ingredients to serving the final product, you’ll have all the information you need to create a mouthwatering plum pudding that will be the highlight of your holiday feast.
What is Plum Pudding?
Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It is a rich and dense steamed pudding that is made with a combination of suet, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, and a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas. The pudding is flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and is often soaked in alcohol, such as brandy or rum, giving it a distinct and indulgent taste.
![Plum pudding, of divers ingredients, discreetly blended & seasoned 1921 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lEh+adxtL._SS520_.jpg)
Plum pudding has a long history and has been a beloved dessert in British cuisine for centuries. It originated in the 14th century and was traditionally made on the Sunday before Advent, known as “Stir-up Sunday.” The pudding was often prepared weeks or even months in advance, allowing it to age and develop its flavors. It was believed that the longer the pudding was aged, the richer and more flavorful it would become.
Plum pudding is typically steamed for several hours, which results in a moist and dense texture. It is often garnished with a sprig of holly and traditionally served flambéed with brandy or rum, accompanied by a sauce such as custard or brandy butter. The dessert is often associated with Christmas celebrations in the UK and is enjoyed as a centerpiece of the festive meal.
Today, plum pudding continues to be a cherished dessert and is enjoyed not only during the holiday season but also on other special occasions. Many families have their own unique recipes and variations, passed down through generations, making it a truly special and nostalgic treat.
History of Plum Pudding
Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional British dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. While its exact origins are unclear, plum pudding has been a quintessential part of Christmas celebrations in England since the Middle Ages.
The original plum pudding contained no plums, as the word “plum” was used to refer to dried fruits in general. The recipe typically included a mixture of suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, spices, and a variety of dried fruits such as currants, raisins, and sultanas. The pudding was traditionally made on the Sunday before Advent and was left to mature for several weeks to enhance its flavors.
Plum pudding was not only a delicious treat but also symbolized good luck and prosperity. It was common for people to hide small objects such as coins, thimbles, or rings in the pudding. According to tradition, finding these objects in your serving meant that you would receive good luck in the coming year.
Throughout the years, plum pudding has remained a beloved festive dessert in the UK. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with British influences. In modern times, plum pudding is usually served during the Christmas season, often topped with a sprig of holly and set aflame before being enjoyed with a dollop of brandy butter or custard.
Today, there are various adaptations of plum pudding, including vegetarian and gluten-free versions. However, the essence of this rich and indulgent dessert remains the same – a symbol of Christmas tradition and a reminder of the centuries-old culinary heritage of the British Isles.
Choosing the Ingredients
When it comes to making a plum pudding in a slow cooker, the key is choosing the right ingredients. Here are the essential components you’ll need:
- Plums: Look for ripe, juicy plums that are slightly soft to the touch. Make sure to remove the pits before using them in the pudding.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the pudding. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before incorporating it into the mixture.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together. Make sure they are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
- Sugar: Use white granulated sugar to sweeten the pudding. Adjust the amount to your personal preference, keeping in mind that plums naturally have some sweetness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used in plum pudding recipes. It provides structure and helps thicken the mixture.
- Breadcrumbs: These help absorb the liquid in the pudding, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
- Mixed spices: Traditional plum pudding recipes often call for a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices add warmth and depth to the pudding’s flavor.
- Suet: Suet is a traditional ingredient in plum pudding. It adds richness and helps create a moist texture. Look for shredded suet or suet pellets in the baking aisle of your local grocery store.
- Brandy: This is an optional ingredient, but it adds a lovely flavor to the pudding. If you choose to include it, select a good quality brandy and use it sparingly.
Remember to check the ingredient list thoroughly before starting, as you may need additional items like raisins, currants, or candied peel.
Selecting the Right Plums
In order to make a delicious plum pudding, it is important to select the right type of plums. Here are some recommendations for choosing the perfect plums:
| Plum Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Victoria plums are a popular choice for plum pudding due to their juicy, sweet flavor and soft texture. They have a dark red skin and yellow flesh. |
| Greengage | Greengage plums are small and round with a greenish-yellow skin. They have a sweet and slightly tart taste, which adds a unique flavor to the pudding. |
| Damson | Damson plums are small and oval-shaped with a deep purple or blue skin. They have a tart and tangy flavor, which is great for balancing the sweetness of the pudding. |
| Satsuma | Satsuma plums are a good option if you prefer a milder flavor. They have a dark purple skin and orange flesh, and their taste is sweet with a hint of tartness. |
When selecting plums, look for ones that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Avoid plums that are overly ripe or mushy, as they may not hold their shape during cooking. Additionally, choose plums that are free from bruises or blemishes.
Remember, the quality of the plums will greatly impact the taste and texture of your plum pudding, so it’s worth taking the time to choose the best ones available.
Essential Ingredients for Plum Pudding
When it comes to making a delicious plum pudding, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need. These ingredients will give your pudding its traditional flavor and texture. Here is a list of the must-have ingredients:
- 500g of mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
- 100g of candied peel
- 100g of suet
- 100g of breadcrumbs
- 100g of plain flour
- 100g of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of brandy or rum (for soaking the dried fruit)
These ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store or online. Make sure you have them all before you start making your plum pudding.
Preparing the Plum Pudding Mixture
To make a delicious plum pudding in a slow cooker, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 250 grams of suet
- 200 grams of self-raising flour
- 200 grams of fresh breadcrumbs
- 200 grams of dark brown sugar
- 100 grams of ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons of mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 150 milliliters of milk
- 300 grams of mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
- 100 grams of candied peel
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 50 milliliters of brandy
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the plum pudding mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, self-raising flour, breadcrumbs, dark brown sugar, ground almonds, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well blended.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Add the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, grated apple, lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, and brandy to the batter. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the plum pudding mixture is fully mixed, cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest for at least 24 hours in a cool place. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
After the resting period, your plum pudding mixture will be ready to be cooked in the slow cooker. Follow the cooking instructions provided to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious plum pudding.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Before you start mixing the dry ingredients for your plum pudding, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the mixing process much easier and smoother.
Here are the dry ingredients you will need:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| White sugar | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Once you have all the dry ingredients ready, you can start mixing them together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, breadcrumbs, mixed spices, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients, making sure there are no clumps.
If you prefer a more fruity flavor, you can also add some dried fruit such as raisins, currants, or chopped dried plums to the dry mixture. This will give your plum pudding an extra burst of flavor.
Tip:
If you want to make a gluten-free plum pudding, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Incorporating the Wet Ingredients
Now that you have your dry ingredients mixed together, it’s time to incorporate the wet ingredients into the plum pudding batter. This step is crucial for ensuring a moist and flavorful final result.
1. Mixing the Eggs and Milk
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add the milk to the beaten eggs and stir until fully incorporated.
2. Adding the Butter and Treacle
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Once melted, add the treacle to the butter and stir until well combined.
- Pour the butter and treacle mixture into the bowl with the beaten eggs and milk.
3. Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the well.
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough plum pudding.
Once the wet ingredients have been properly incorporated into the dry mix, your plum pudding batter is ready to be steamed or cooked in your slow cooker. Follow the recipe instructions for further guidance on cooking times and temperatures.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to cook a plum pudding in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to cook a plum pudding in a slow cooker. In fact, using a slow cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this traditional dessert.
What ingredients are needed to make a plum pudding?
The ingredients needed to make a plum pudding include suet, sugar, breadcrumbs, flour, mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas), chopped almonds, mixed spice, grated apple, orange zest, eggs, and milk. Additional ingredients like brandy or rum can also be added for flavor.
How long does it take to cook a plum pudding in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a plum pudding in a slow cooker usually ranges from 8 to 12 hours. It is recommended to set the slow cooker on low heat and allow the pudding to cook slowly for the best results. The long cooking time helps to develop the rich flavors and moist texture of the pudding.
