Best Vegetarian Christmas Pudding Recipe for Festive Joy

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in classic festive treats, and nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like a traditional Christmas pudding. But if you’re vegetarian, finding a recipe that stays true to this beloved dessert while respecting your dietary choices can be a challenge.

Fear not! Our Best Vegetarian Christmas Pudding Recipe brings the joy, warmth, and rich flavors of this classic dish without any animal-derived ingredients.

Packed with dried fruits, fragrant spices, and a moist, tender crumb, this pudding is sure to be the star of your holiday table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is designed to be accessible, delicious, and memorable.

Ready to impress your guests and enjoy a pudding that’s both traditional and vegetarian-friendly? Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can create your own festive masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Christmas pudding strikes the perfect balance between tradition and mindful eating. Using plant-based alternatives, it retains the deep, comforting flavors you’d expect from a classic pudding—think warm cinnamon, zesty orange, and rich molasses.

The moist texture comes from a clever blend of soaked dried fruits and natural binders, eliminating the need for eggs or suet.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can prepare it weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature, and it freezes beautifully for later enjoyment.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Unlike conventional recipes, this one avoids animal fats altogether but keeps that iconic dense, fruity texture.

For those interested in expanding their holiday recipe repertoire, be sure to check out our Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe for a festive twist, or cool down with a sweet treat from our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

And if you’re in the mood for a rich dessert, the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 200g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins)
• 100g chopped dried apricots
• 75g chopped dates
• 75g chopped walnuts or pecans
• 100ml strong black tea or brewed coffee
• 100ml orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 150g dark brown sugar
• 150g plain flour
• 50g ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 100g shredded vegetarian suet (or vegetable shortening)
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 2 tbsp black treacle or molasses
• 3 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Steaming basin or pudding mold (approx. 1.2 liters capacity)
• Large pot or steamer with lid
• Greaseproof paper and foil
• String or kitchen twine (for tying pudding)
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 9 tablespoons of water. Whisk well and set aside for at least 10 minutes to thicken.
2. Soak the dried fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped apricots, dates, and walnuts. Pour over the black tea (or coffee) and orange juice. Stir in the orange and lemon zest. Cover and leave to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to plump the fruit.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the brown sugar, ground almonds, and shredded vegetarian suet.
4. Combine wet and dry: Add the soaked fruit mixture (including any liquid), golden syrup, black treacle, vanilla extract, and the prepared flax egg to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until you have a thick, sticky batter.
5. Prepare the pudding basin: Grease the inside of your pudding basin with vegetable oil or vegetarian butter. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, pressing down gently to remove air pockets and level the surface.
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 on top of the pudding, then cover tightly with the foil. Secure with string or kitchen twine around the rim to keep steam out.
7. Steam the pudding: Place the pudding basin in a large pot or steamer with boiling water halfway up the side of the basin. Cover with a lid and steam gently for 6 hours, checking the water level occasionally and topping up with boiling water as needed.
8. Cool and store: Once steamed, remove the pudding and allow it to cool completely. Replace the paper and foil with fresh coverings, then store in a cool, dry place or freeze for up to 3 months.
9. Reheat before serving: To serve, steam the pudding again for 2 hours to reheat thoroughly. Serve warm with your favorite custard, cream, or brandy butter.

Tips & Variations

“Steaming is key to a perfect Christmas pudding — slow and steady heat helps develop deep flavors and a moist texture.”

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
• Nut-free option: Omit the walnuts/pecans and replace with extra dried fruit or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Alcohol-free version: Replace tea or coffee with orange juice only, and omit any alcohol if your recipe calls for it.
• Add a twist: Incorporate finely chopped crystallized ginger or a splash of spiced rum for extra warmth.
• Make mini puddings: Use smaller pudding molds and reduce steaming time to around 2-3 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Christmas pudding is best enjoyed warm, accompanied by traditional festive sides. Pour over homemade custard or drizzle with a luscious vegan cream for a rich, comforting experience.

For an extra indulgent touch, flame the pudding with brandy or your favorite dark rum before serving — it’s a spectacular showstopper!

Pair your pudding with spiced winter fruits or a scoop of our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to contrast the dense texture with creamy cold sweetness. If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon works beautifully.

Conclusion

Making a vegetarian Christmas pudding is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays with a dessert that honors tradition without compromising your dietary choices. This recipe delivers rich, festive flavors and a moist, dense texture that will delight everyone at your table.

The beauty of this pudding lies in its flexibility — you can prepare it well ahead of time, freeze it, and customize it to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at Christmas puddings for the first time, this vegetarian version is approachable, rewarding, and truly delicious. Enjoy the festive season with a pudding that brings warmth, joy, and a sense of cozy tradition to your celebration.

Happy holidays and happy cooking!

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