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Few desserts capture the spirit of Christmas quite like pudding. Steeped in history and rich with flavor, these traditional treats bring nostalgia, warmth, and indulgence to the holiday table. Whether you love the dense, fruit-filled British classic or prefer lighter modern twists, Christmas puddings are all about comfort and celebration.
Served warm with custard, cream, or brandy sauce, they make the perfect grand finale to a festive meal.
From traditional steamed varieties to spiced chocolate and sticky toffee delights, these 18 Classic Christmas Pudding Recipes will make your dessert table glow with old-fashioned charm.
1. Traditional British Christmas Pudding
The ultimate holiday classic rich, dark, and brimming with dried fruits, citrus zest, and a splash of brandy. Steamed for hours and aged to perfection, this pudding is best served with warm custard or flaming brandy sauce.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 42g
Get the Traditional British Christmas Pudding recipe.
2. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Moist, buttery sponge studded with dates and drenched in warm toffee sauce this British favorite is pure indulgence. It’s rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible when served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 395
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 44g
Get the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.
3. Chocolate Christmas Pudding
For chocolate lovers, this twist on the traditional pudding replaces dried fruit with cocoa and chunks of dark chocolate. It’s rich and decadent yet keeps the festive spirit alive with a hint of brandy or orange zest.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 35g
Get the Chocolate Christmas Pudding recipe.
4. Figgy Pudding
A true holiday icon! This steamed pudding made with figs, molasses, and spices is moist, dense, and wonderfully fragrant. Serve with a drizzle of warm caramel or rum sauce for a traditional treat that never goes out of style.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 39g
5. Gingerbread Pudding
Filled with the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, this pudding tastes like Christmas in every bite. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of lemon sauce for a nostalgic, comforting finish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 34g
Get the Gingerbread Pudding recipe.
6. Plum Pudding
Despite the name, there are no actual plums in this traditional English dessert instead, it’s filled with raisins, currants, and sultanas soaked in brandy. The pudding is dense, flavorful, and best served with a rich vanilla custard.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 355
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 38g
7. Bread and Butter Christmas Pudding
A cozy, budget-friendly favorite made by layering buttered bread with raisins, cinnamon, and creamy custard. Once baked, it turns golden and soft inside a humble yet heartwarming dessert that feels like home.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 27g
Get the Bread and Butter Christmas Pudding recipe.
8. Steamed Caramel Pudding
This silky pudding combines caramelized sugar with creamy custard for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s elegant enough for a Christmas dinner but easy enough to make on a cozy weekend.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 295
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
Get the Steamed Caramel Pudding recipe.
9. Cranberry Orange Pudding
Bright, tangy cranberries meet the citrusy sweetness of orange zest in this vibrant pudding. Moist and festive, it’s a lighter alternative to the rich traditional puddings, yet still perfectly Christmassy.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 33g
Get the Cranberry Orange Pudding recipe.
10. Spiced Apple Pudding
Warm and fragrant, this pudding features tender apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg baked into a soft, comforting dessert. Serve it warm with custard or a drizzle of caramel sauce for pure winter comfort.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 305
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 31g
Get the Spiced Apple Pudding recipe.
11. Sticky Ginger Date Pudding
This aromatic pudding blends dates with ground ginger and molasses for a rich, spicy flavor profile. It’s perfect when served with warm butterscotch sauce or a dollop of vanilla cream.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 345
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 36g
Get the Sticky Ginger Date Pudding recipe.
12. Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding
A luxurious twist on the classic, this pudding features white chocolate chunks and bursts of tart cranberries. The creamy custard base makes it rich and comforting while maintaining a beautiful festive flair.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 34g
Get the Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding recipe.
13. Spiced Rum Pudding
Infused with warm spices and a splash of dark rum, this pudding brings a grown-up twist to the dessert table. The rich, boozy sauce poured over the top makes it unforgettable.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 385
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 36g
Get the Spiced Rum Pudding recipe.
14. Toffee Pecan Bread Pudding
Sweet, nutty, and buttery, this pudding combines caramel sauce, crunchy pecans, and soft bread soaked in custard. It’s a true comfort dessert that adds Southern charm to your Christmas spread.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 33g
Get the Toffee Pecan Bread Pudding recipe.
15. Chocolate Orange Pudding
This classic flavor pairing shines in pudding form. The rich cocoa sponge is enhanced with fresh orange zest, creating a decadent yet refreshing dessert that feels perfectly festive.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 32g
Get the Chocolate Orange Pudding recipe.
16. Fig and Walnut Pudding
A rustic, hearty pudding filled with chopped figs and crunchy walnuts. The earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or honey glaze a dessert that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 365
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 33g
Get the Fig and Walnut Pudding recipe.
17. Lemon Steamed Pudding
Light, zesty, and delightfully fluffy, this pudding offers a refreshing change from heavier Christmas desserts. The bright lemon flavor and soft texture make it perfect for balancing out a rich holiday meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 29g
Get the Lemon Steamed Pudding recipe.
18. Pumpkin Spice Pudding
This smooth, custard-style pudding brings autumn’s favorite flavor right into Christmas. With warm spices, creamy pumpkin puree, and a hint of vanilla, it’s festive, cozy, and loved by all ages.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 31g
