Christmas pudding is a time-honored tradition for many families during the festive season, but finding a vegan version that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture can be a challenge. Luckily, this best vegan Christmas pudding recipe is here to save your holiday dessert plans!
Packed with rich dried fruits, warming spices, and a moist, dense texture, it delivers all the classic Christmas pudding vibes without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new this holiday, this pudding will impress your guests with its deep flavors and festive aroma.
What makes this pudding truly special is its balance of sweetness and spice, combined with the subtle depth from vegan-friendly binders and a splash of brandy or rum for that extra festive kick. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing the flavors to mature beautifully.
If you’ve ever been hesitant to make a vegan Christmas pudding, this recipe will make your holiday baking stress-free and joyful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Christmas pudding recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it uses wholesome plant-based ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
The dried fruits soak up the brandy, making every bite luscious and flavorful.
The pudding is perfectly moist and dense, without being heavy or overly sweet. It’s also free from eggs, dairy, and any animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with allergies.
Additionally, this pudding can be made weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop, which is exactly how a Christmas pudding should be. Just steam it on the big day, serve with vegan custard or cream, and enjoy the festive cheer!
Ingredients
- 200g mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, sultanas, chopped dates)
- 100g chopped dried apricots
- 50g chopped mixed peel
- 100ml brandy or dark rum (plus extra for flaming or soaking)
- 150g plain flour
- 50g ground almonds
- 75g soft dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp warm water (flax egg)
- 100ml strong brewed black tea (cooled)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Steaming basin or pudding mold (approx 1.2L capacity)
- Large saucepan or steamer pot with a lid
- Baking parchment and aluminum foil
- Whisk or fork (for mixing flaxseed egg)
- Cloth or tea towel (optional, for covering pudding)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Soak the dried fruit: In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, chopped apricots, and mixed peel. Pour over the brandy or rum, stir well, cover, and leave to soak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will plump up the fruit and infuse it with flavor.
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, whisk the ground flaxseed with warm water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the ground almonds and soft brown sugar.
- Add wet ingredients: To the dry mix, add the soaked fruit with any remaining liquid, the flax egg, black treacle or molasses, orange and lemon zest, and cooled black tea. Stir thoroughly until well combined into a thick batter.
- Prepare the pudding basin: Grease your pudding basin generously with vegan butter or oil. Line the base and sides with a circle of baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the batter: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin, pressing lightly to pack it in evenly but not too tightly.
- Cover the pudding: Place a double layer of baking parchment over the top, then cover tightly with foil. Secure with string around the rim if needed to make a tight seal.
- Steam the pudding: Place the pudding basin in a large saucepan or steamer pot. Pour boiling water halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a lid and steam gently for 5-6 hours, topping up the water as needed to keep the level consistent.
- Cool and store: Once cooked, remove the pudding and allow to cool completely. Replace the parchment and foil with fresh ones, and store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 weeks. The longer it matures, the richer the flavor.
- Reheat before serving: On Christmas day, steam the pudding again for 2 hours before serving. Optionally, warm some brandy, pour over the pudding, and light it for a dramatic flaming presentation.
Tips & Variations
For a nut-free version, omit the ground almonds and replace with extra flour or oat flour.
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
If you want a gluten-free pudding, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour, but note the texture may vary slightly.
Use different dried fruits depending on your preference; dried cherries or cranberries add a lovely tartness.
For a richer pudding, soak the fruit in a mixture of brandy and orange juice.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 pudding) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugars | 30 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Christmas pudding is delicious served warm with a generous pour of vegan custard or coconut cream. For an extra festive touch, drizzle with vegan brandy butter or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Some like to accompany it with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of spiced cranberry sauce for a tangy contrast.
And don’t forget the traditional flaming brandy pour for that wow factor at the dinner table – just ensure everyone’s safety first!
Conclusion
Making a vegan Christmas pudding that’s rich, moist, and full of flavor is easier than you think. This recipe brings all the warmth and tradition of the holiday season to your table, without any animal products.
The combination of soaked fruits, aromatic spices, and a touch of brandy creates a truly festive dessert everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re vegan or just trying something new, this pudding is sure to become a yearly favorite. Plus, its make-ahead nature means less stress on Christmas day.
For more festive baking inspiration, check out our Marzipan Challah Recipe, the delightful Magic Dough Recipe, or try the fun and darkly sweet Lump Of Coal Recipe.
Happy holidays and happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Christmas Pudding
Description: A rich and moist vegan Christmas pudding packed with dried fruits and warm spices. Perfect for holiday celebrations and easy to prepare in advance.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT240M
Total Time: PT260M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates)
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup strong brewed black tea
- 2 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix flaxseed and water; set aside for 5 minutes.
- Combine dried fruits, apricots, and walnuts in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, and spices; mix well.
- Stir in oil, brewed tea, molasses, and flaxseed mixture until combined.
- Grease a pudding basin and fill it with the mixture.
- Cover with parchment and foil, securing tightly.
- Steam the pudding for 4 hours, checking water level occasionally.
- Allow to cool, then store in a cool place until serving.
- Reheat by steaming for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 55 g
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