Christmas Pudding Recipe Vegetarian Suet Made Easy

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, celebration, and indulgent treats that bring family and friends together. One traditional favorite that has stood the test of time is the classic Christmas pudding.

However, for those following a vegetarian lifestyle or seeking a suet alternative, this Christmas pudding recipe using vegetarian suet is the perfect festive dessert to delight your taste buds. Rich, moist, and bursting with festive spices and dried fruits, this pudding captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned pudding maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and sure to become a holiday staple in your kitchen.

Get ready to dive into a step-by-step guide that will have you steaming your own vegetarian Christmas pudding, full of traditional flavors but made with a plant-based twist. Plus, I’ll share tips to customize the recipe and even some serving suggestions to make your Christmas feast extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas pudding recipe is a fantastic vegetarian alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Using vegetarian suet instead of traditional animal fat makes it suitable for vegetarians and even some vegans if you swap the honey and eggs with alternatives.

The pudding is packed with a medley of dried fruits soaked in warming spices and a splash of brandy or rum, giving it that authentic festive aroma.

Not only is it deliciously moist and rich, but it also freezes well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the holiday stress-free. This recipe is perfect for those who want to honor tradition while catering to dietary preferences or restrictions.

Ingredients

• 150g vegetarian suet (available at most health food stores or online)
• 200g mixed dried fruits (sultanas, currants, raisins)
• 100g chopped dried apricots
• 75g chopped glace cherries
• 50g chopped walnuts or pecans
• 100g dark brown sugar
• 100g fresh breadcrumbs
• 125g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 125ml stout or dark ale
• 50ml brandy or rum (optional, for soaking and flavor)
• Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 50g shredded carrot (adds moisture and sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Steaming pudding basin (1.2 litre capacity)
• Greaseproof paper and foil
• Kitchen string
• Steaming pot or large saucepan with a lid
• Measuring scales and spoons
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Small saucepan (for warming the stout)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dried fruits: Place the mixed dried fruits, chopped apricots, cherries, and nuts in a bowl. Pour over the brandy or rum and stir to coat. Cover and leave to soak overnight or for at least 4 hours.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vegetarian suet, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, self-raising flour, baking powder, spices, lemon and orange zest, and salt. Mix thoroughly so all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Warm the stout: Gently heat the stout in a small saucepan just until warm (do not boil). This helps the suet and sugar dissolve better and adds a rich flavor.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat the eggs lightly, then add them to the dry ingredients along with the shredded carrot, soaked fruits (including any leftover liquid), and warmed stout. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but moist.
5. Prepare the pudding basin: Grease the inside of your pudding basin with a little vegetarian suet or oil. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets.
6. Cover the pudding: Cut a circle of greaseproof paper and a circle of foil slightly larger than the basin’s opening. Place the greaseproof paper over the basin, then the foil, and tie securely with kitchen string around the rim. Make a handle with the string for easy lifting.
7. Steam the pudding: Place a trivet or an upturned heatproof saucer at the bottom of a large saucepan. Add boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the pudding basin. Carefully place the basin on the trivet and cover with a lid. Steam gently for 6 hours, checking the water level every hour and topping up with boiling water as needed.
8. Cool and store: Once steamed, remove the pudding from the pot and allow it to cool completely. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate. It can be steamed again for 2 hours before serving or frozen for up to 3 months.
9. Reheat before serving: To serve, steam the pudding again for 2 hours until heated through. Remove the paper and foil, turn onto a serving plate, and optionally flame with warmed brandy for a spectacular finish.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking your dried fruits overnight really enhances the flavor and keeps the pudding moist. For an alcohol-free version, soak fruits in apple juice or strong black tea instead.”

• Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add nuts or seeds: For extra texture, incorporate toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
• Spice it up: Experiment with cloves, star anise, or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Individual puddings: Use smaller pudding molds or silicone cups for personalized servings.
• Make ahead: This pudding improves with time; make it weeks in advance and freeze until needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas pudding is best served warm with traditional accompaniments such as rich brandy butter, custard, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a vegan option, try coconut cream or a vegan vanilla custard.

To elevate your festive dessert, flame the pudding with warmed brandy just before serving. The dramatic blue flame and the smoky aroma add an unforgettable touch to your holiday table.

Pair your pudding with a cup of spiced mulled wine or a robust black tea to balance the sweetness and complement the spices.

Looking for more festive inspiration? Check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a savory side or Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty main course.

And for a tangy condiment, try the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to spice up your holiday spread.

Conclusion

Christmas pudding made with vegetarian suet is a wonderful way to enjoy this classic dessert while accommodating vegetarian diets or simply trying something a little different this holiday season. The combination of soaked fruits, warming spices, and moist texture makes for a comforting and festive treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

By preparing this pudding ahead of time, you’ll reduce holiday stress and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you choose to flame it or serve it with a simple drizzle of custard, this pudding brings traditional Christmas cheer with a compassionate twist.

Give it a try and make your holiday celebrations even more memorable!

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