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Slow cooker Christmas pudding

Name: Slow cooker Christmas pudding recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 15 min
Yield: 8+
Cuisine: British recipes
Ingredients: 300g dried mixed fruit; 60g glace cherries, roughly chopped; Zest and juice of 1 orange; 75ml brandy; 100g dark muscovado sugar; 1 tsp ground mixed spice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 150g plain flour; 100g fresh white breadcrumbs; 100g vegetarian suet; 30g flaked almonds (optional); 1 large eating apple or medium Bramley, peeled, cored and coarsely grated; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 tbsp black treacle

The classic slow cooker Christmas pudding, with its rich history and timeless charm, is a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Let's explore the ins and outs of creating a delectable Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding and address some common questions along the way.

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Difficulty: Easy
Serves 8+
Freezable

Preparation

Total time: 10 Hrs 15 Mins
Preparation time: 15 Mins
Cooking time: 10 Hrs

300g dried mixed fruit
60g glace cherries, roughly chopped
Zest and juice of 1 orange
75ml brandy
100g dark muscovado sugar
1 tsp ground mixed spice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
150g plain flour
100g fresh white breadcrumbs
100g vegetarian suet
30g flaked almonds (optional)
1 large eating apple or medium Bramley, peeled, cored and coarsely grated
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tbsp black treacle

Add the dried fruit, glace cherries, orange zest and juice, brandy, sugar, mixed spice and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then cover and leave overnight.
The next morning, switch your slow cooker on to low. Lightly grease the pudding basin, and cut out a circle of greaseproof paper to line the base.
Stir the flour and breadcrumbs into the dried fruit mixture. Then add all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Fill the pudding basin with the mixture, packing it down firmly with the back of a wooden spoon.
Cover the basin with greaseproof paper and foil. Place the pudding in its basin inside the slow cooker. Carefully pour hot water around the outside of the basin, until it is 3/4 of the way up the sides.
Replace the lid of the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Remove the pudding, take off the foil and paper and leave to cool completely. Store in a cool, dry place until Christmas Day.
To reheat on the day, switch your slow cooker on to low. Cover the pudding in its basin with greaseproof paper and foil. Place in the slow cooker, pour hot water around the sides until it is 3/4 of the way up and reheat for 4 hours, or until piping. Serve.

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You will need

Slow cooker

1.2 litre/2 pint pudding basin

Greaseproof paper

Foil

Tips

As the festive season approaches, the delightful aroma of Christmas puddings wafting through the air is enough to warm any heart. Today, we're diving into the world of Christmas puddings made easy with a slow cooker twist.

Before you begin, check you have a pudding basin that fits inside your slow cooker. A standard 1.2 litre/2 pint pudding basin should fit most slow cookers.

Can you overcook a Christmas pudding?

Ah, the age-old question of whether you can overcook a Christmas pudding. The answer is both yes and no, depending on how you approach it.

Traditionally, Christmas puddings are steamed for several hours, and they are quite forgiving when it comes to cooking time. Overcooking a pudding by an extra 15-30 minutes in a steamer usually won't result in disaster. In fact, some cooks argue that longer steaming times enhance the flavour and texture.

However, when it comes to using a slow cooker, the risk of overcooking is slightly higher. Slow cookers are designed to maintain a consistent, low temperature over an extended period. If you leave your Christmas pudding in the slow cooker for too long, it can become dry and lose its signature moist, rich texture.

To avoid overcooking, follow the recommended cooking time for your specific slow cooker Christmas pudding recipe. Most recipes will provide you with a guideline on how long to cook it on low or high heat. Exact timings for cooking and reheating a pudding may differ depending on your model of slow cooker. Refer to the instruction manual for any specific instructions about cooking a Christmas pudding in your machine. As a general rule, check your pudding regularly as it nears the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn't become overly dry.

How far in advance do you make Christmas pudding?

The beauty of Christmas pudding is that it's a make-ahead dessert. In fact, making it well in advance is part of the tradition! Ideally, Christmas puddings are prepared a few weeks or even months before the big day.

Here's a rough timeline to guide you:

September or October: Many families start preparing their Christmas pudding during the autumn months. This allows the flavours to meld and mature over time. Plus, it frees up your schedule closer to Christmas.
Stir-Up Sunday: This tradition, which falls on the last Sunday before Advent (usually in late November), is the perfect time to make your Christmas pudding. Gather your family and take turns stirring the pudding mixture while making a wish.
A Few Weeks Before Christmas: If you haven't made your pudding earlier, aim to have it cooked and stored a few weeks before Christmas. This gives the flavours ample time to develop.
Christmas Day: On the day itself, all you need to do is reheat your pudding. Many opt for a gentle steaming to warm it up before serving.

Can you cook a shop-bought Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cooking a shop-bought Christmas pudding in a slow cooker is a convenient and fuss-free option, especially when time is of the essence. Here are some things to note that can help make the experience a whole lot easier for you!

Check for Doneness: After the recommended cooking time, use a skewer or toothpick to check if the pudding is heated through. It should come out warm.
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the pudding from the slow cooker, allow it to cool slightly, and serve with your favourite accompaniments, whether it's warm custard, brandy butter, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Using a slow cooker for your shop-bought Christmas pudding is a stress-free way to ensure a warm and comforting dessert on the big day.

Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding is a delightful and convenient twist on a beloved holiday classic. Remember that while overcooking can be a concern in a slow cooker, following your recipe's recommended cooking times will yield a moist and delicious pudding. Planning ahead by making your pudding well in advance and utilizing your slow cooker for shop-bought options will help you enjoy a stress-free and scrumptious Christmas feast with your family. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season!

Variations

If you don't want to use booze in your Christmas pudding, you can swap the brandy for orange juice instead. But bear in mind that alcohol helps to preserve a Christmas pudding; without it, you'll need to make it closer to the time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week (or freeze for up to three months).