Description
This Quick & Healthy Christmas Pudding is a deliciously rich and nutritious twist on the traditional festive dessert. Packed with dried fruits like dates, prunes, apricots, and currants, combined with warming spices and almond meal, this pudding is steamed to moist perfection. It offers a wholesome, naturally sweet alternative ideal for holiday celebrations, balancing indulgence with healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 1/2 Oranges
- 300 grams Dates, pitted
- 300 grams Prunes, pitted (divided: 100 g chopped, 200 g whole)
- 1 1/2 cups Dried Currants
- 200 grams Dried Apricots, finely chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Coconut Oil
- 1 1/4 cups Water
- 4 Eggs
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 350 grams Almond Meal
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon Whole Clove
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium-sized pudding bowl thoroughly to prevent sticking. Roughly chop 1 1/2 oranges and 100 grams of prunes, and finely chop the 200 grams of dried apricots. Set these aside for later use.
- Cook Fruit Mix: In a saucepan, combine 300 grams of pitted dates, 200 grams of pitted prunes, the chopped orange slices, and 1 1/4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the water evaporates and the dates form a thick, sticky paste.
- Add Coconut Oil: Stir in 1/3 cup of coconut oil into the hot fruit mixture and set it aside to cool completely.
- Blend the Fruit Paste: Once cooled, transfer the fruit mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Pour the blended fruit paste into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped apricots, prunes, 1 1/2 cups dried currants, 350 grams almond meal, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon whole clove, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Eggs: Crack in 4 eggs and mix well to form a thick, cohesive batter.
- Fill Pudding Bowl: Pour the mixture into the greased pudding bowl, smoothing the top for an even surface.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the pudding bowl into a deep roasting tray. Carefully pour hot water into the tray until it reaches between half to three-quarters up the side of the pudding bowl, creating a bain-marie for gentle steaming.
- Cover and Bake: Seal the pudding bowl and roasting tray with a layer of baking paper and foil, ensuring no steam can escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing the pudding to steam and set.
- Remove and Cool: Carefully take the roasting tray out of the oven, watching out for the hot water. Remove the foil and baking paper cautiously to avoid steam burns.
- Serve: Loosen the edges of the pudding with a knife and turn it out onto a serving plate. Traditionally served with Almond Milk Crème Anglaise, enjoy your healthy Christmas pudding warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the pudding bowl is well greased to avoid sticking when turning out the pudding.
- The water bath prevents the pudding from drying out and helps it cook evenly via steam.
- You can prepare the pudding mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond meal with gluten-free oat flour or ground seeds.
- If you prefer a sweeter pudding, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Christmas pudding, healthy Christmas dessert, baked pudding, gluten free Christmas, festive dessert, fruit pudding, almond meal dessert
